CNN – A common stomach bug is surging, according to new data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CNN: What exactly is norovirus?
Dr. Leana Wen: Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US. According to the CDC, it is responsible for 19 million to 21 million illnesses every year. It results in over 2.2 million outpatient medical visits, 465,000 emergency department visits and 109,000 hospitalizations.
Norovirus is a common cause of illness outbreaks on cruise ships, where more than 90% of diarrheal illnesses are attributed to this virus.
It also causes outbreaks in schools, day care centers, jails and other settings where individuals come into proximity with others.
CNN: How is norovirus spread?
Wen: Norovirus can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated surfaces. If you share food or drink or utensils with an infected person, you could pick up the virus.
You could also contract it by touching a surface that an infected person touched and then touching your mouth. In addition, the virus could be transmitted through tiny drops of vomit or fecal material that splatter onto surfaces.
CNN: What symptoms should people expect and for how long?
Wen: Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Some people may also experience fatigue, low-grade fever, chills, headaches and muscle aches.
It’s common for people to go from feeling well to suddenly having gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms can be unnerving and unpleasant.
The good news is that most people improve within one to two days and recover completely, with no long-term health effects. There are, though, some people who become severely ill from norovirus, usually because they are unable to keep down fluids and become very dehydrated.
CNN: What should people do if they think they may have it?
Wen: There is no specific treatment …
