This ‘winter vomiting disease’ is spreading in SC and there’s no real treatment. What to know
Norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting disease,” is making the rounds this winter.
According to the latest outbreak tracking data released on Nov. 25 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 153 norovirus outbreaks reported in 14 states from Aug. 1 to Nov. 13, including South Carolina.
Norovirus is active year-round, but spikes typically occur from November to April. Outbreaks are especially common in close-quarter settings like schools, workplaces and health care facilities.
Here’s what folks should know and how to stay healthy:
Norovirus vs. stomach bugs
“Stomach bugs” share similarities with norovirus, but the two aren’t identical.
Norovirus symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after someone is exposed. The illness typically runs its course within one to three days, often making it shorter-lived than many other stomach bugs. Folks can still spread the virus for a few days after.
Norovirus most often triggers nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. It can also bring on fever, headaches and body aches.
The CDC says that norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea and foodborne illness in the United States.
Who is most at risk of contracting norovirus?
The CDC says that children younger than 5 years old, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections. But anyone, at any age can contract the virus because it is highly contagious.
This virus spreads easily and can be transmitted through close contact with someone who’s infected. It also spreads through contaminated food or water or by touching surfaces that carry the virus.
Foods such as oysters harvested from contaminated water or fruits and vegetables sprayed with contaminated water are also common carriers of the virus, according to the CDC.
How can you treat the symptoms of norovirus?
There’s no targeted treatment once symptoms begin, so recovery mostly means waiting it out while managing how you feel.
If you do get sick with norovirus, the South Carolina Department of Public Health recommends:
- Staying home
- Washing hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and warm water
- Staying hydrated
- Resting
- Avoiding preparing food while sick
- Waiting three days after symptoms resolve before handling food
- Disinfecting contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution
The Environmental Protection Agency has a list of disinfectants that work against norovirus. Tests are also available to confirm a norovirus diagnosis.
Last season, South Carolina experienced a particularly high number of cases. According to Prisma Health, one of the most effective ways to stay healthy against the virus is simply to wash your hands, which helps protect against viruses, germs and bacteria.
When should you see a doctor?
If a person who is infected is no longer able to retain sufficient fluids, the SCDPH says medical attention is needed to avoid complications from things like dehydration.
Folks should also seek medical attention if they develop diarrhea that doesn’t go away within several days, experience severe vomiting, bloody stools or stomach pain, according to Mayo Clinic.
To prevent future spreads, the SCDPH and the CDC recommend:
- Wash hands well and often
- Cook shellfish completely and wash fruits and vegetables
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs and faucets
- Wash laundry, sheets and linens thoroughly
To learn more about norovirus, visit the CDC norovirus webpage.
