A surge of norovirus cases, a contagious virus that is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, has medical professionals advising caution.

“It is a common cause of illness outbreaks on cruise ships,” emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, Dr. Leana Wen, told CNN. “It also causes outbreaks in schools, day care centers, jails and other settings where individuals come into proximity with others.”

The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported there were 91 outbreaks of norovirus during the first week of December, a sharp incline from just 69 cases the previous week. Typically, there are 65 or fewer norovirus outbreaks per week.

“This year the number of reported norovirus outbreaks have exceeded the numbers that we’ve seen recently and in the years before the pandemic,” the CDC said in a statement.

According to the CDC, norovirus is responsible for 19 million to 21 million illnesses every year, resulting in more than 400,000 emergency hospital visits and 109,000 hospitalization.

There are things you can do to help yourself and your family get through this season, however.

How does norovirus spread?

The virus is spread through direct contact with infected people by sharing food, drinks or utensils, or by touching a contaminated surface, Wen said.

“In addition, the virus could be transmitted through tiny drops of vomit or fecal material that splatter onto surfaces,” Wen said.

What are the symptoms of norovirus?

Typical symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps, Wen told CNN. You should also look out for fatigue, headaches, low-grade fever, chills and muscle aches.

Most people recover within one or two days with no long-term health effects; others, however, can become severely ill.

Less common symptoms of the virus include high fever, shortness of breath or blood in stool. If you have any of these symptoms, consult a medical professional.

How to stay safe from norovirus

According to Wen, maintaining cleanliness in food preparation is key. If you have symptoms of the virus, you should not be preparing food under any circumstances. You also should not handle plates or utensils while you recover.

In general, Wen says people should continue to wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom.

“If everyone practices good hand hygiene with frequent handwashing, and using hand sanitizer when running water isn’t easily accessible, we could reduce the chance of contracting and spreading norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses,” Wen said.


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