There's one guest you'll want to avoid this New Year's Eve: norovirus. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows norovirus outbreaks have been reported across the United States.
According to the CDC report Latest surveillanceThere were 91 norovirus outbreaks reported nationwide during the first week of December. This is a significant increase from previous weeks. This data is only a limited snapshot of how widespread norovirus truly is across the United States right now, but 2024 is considered a terrible year for stomach illness.
Although norovirus is often associated with cruise ships, But it's also a fertile source of gastrointestinal distress everywhere. A highly contagious virus is Leading cause of foodborne illness in the united states It typically sends people to their beds and bathrooms with diarrhea, vomiting, and other flu-like symptoms. which lasted for three days Although various cases It is rarely life-threatening. But there are approximately 100,000 Americans who are hospitalized every year.
Like other diseases Norovirus took a bit of a break in its early years. of the COVID-19 outbreak Due to increased social distancing This is because people's lifestyles and social habits have largely returned to normal. Norovirus and other germs can cause An unwanted return– But 2024 is an unusual year compared to the general trend.
According to the CDCThere were 495 reported cases of norovirus outbreaks in the United States between August and December of this year. This is higher than the 363 norovirus outbreaks reported during the same month in 2023. Norovirus cases can occur at any time. But the disease tends to peak between November and December. April in the United States And reported outbreaks so far this season are higher than those observed during the same period in past seasons dating back to 2012.
These reports are only part of the picture. The CDC's surveillance system only includes outbreaks reported by health departments in 14 states (the full list can be viewed). gentleman– and most cases of norovirus go generally unreported. This is because people tend to wait for their symptoms without going to the doctor. Therefore, in addition to the outbreak, It is also possible to clearly track specific food sources (e.g. recent Outbreaks involving certain types of oysters) It can be difficult to tell when and where norovirus is spreading.
Another important factor is our limited immunity to norovirus. There are several types of norovirus that cause disease that spread at any one time. And that recently Infection with one strain may not protect you from other strains. Our immunity to specific strains also tends to weaken over time. Only a few months old For some unlucky people
People can Follow the steps To reduce the risk of norovirus spread and infection. If you have vomiting and diarrhea or have recently had vomiting or diarrhea, you should avoid direct contact with other people if possible. And wash your hands regularly with soap and water. You should not use hand sanitizer instead. Due to the physical structure of the virus, it is resistant to alcohol. And avoid preparing food for others for a while, even if you feel better. This is because the virus can be shed in the stool for two weeks or longer.
Although it can be difficult to fend off drunk people at a party by ignoring these tips, But you can reduce your risk of contracting norovirus from food. You should always wash fruits and vegetables and cook shellfish thoroughly. You should clean kitchen utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces regularly, especially after preparing shellfish. And you should wash your hands after handling raw food. due to norovirus or other food-borne pathogens The infection can be spread with your hands by accidentally touching your mouth later.
There are many scientists and pharmaceutical companies working on a norovirus vaccine. And some of them are already close. Late-stage clinical trials– So the nightmare of norovirus will one day become a distant memory.