US norovirus cases on the rise with positive test rate doubling since August

Norovirus cases are rising across the United States and have doubled in recent months, according to updated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION).

Nearly 14% of tests came back positive for norovirus during the most recent week ending Nov. 15, compared to about 7% about three months ago.

Test positivity is a metric used to identify how many people are confirmed to have norovirus after an illness is suspected.

Health experts have said that, like other measures, test positivity is imperfect since it depends on the number of tests ordered, which can vary.

Last December saw a record rate of norovirus cases in the US, with nearly 25% of tests coming back positive. Cases have been trending downward since then, but have begun to rise in recent weeks, CDC data shows.

Electronic medical record data. epic investigation show that Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming are some of the states currently experiencing the highest number of norovirus cases. Emergency department visits have increased since July, data from Epic Research shows.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus That is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract.

Although often referred to as the “stomach bug” or “stomach flu,” norovirus illness is not related to influenza.

Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the U.S., causing 58% of foodborne illnesses each year and responsible for about 2,5000 outbreaks annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

hills common symptoms They are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. However, patients may also experience fever, headaches, and body aches.

Typically, an infected person will develop symptoms between 12 and 48 hours after being infected. However, norovirus usually resolves quickly, lasting one to three days in most healthy adults, according to the CDC.

Health experts say the best way to prevent norovirus is to wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer alone does not work well against norovirus.

He CDC says People should wash their hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, as well as when eating, preparing, or handling food.