The CDC is warning of a significant rise in norovirus cases across several states in the Northeast, with New Jersey being most heavily affected. Norovirus, often confused with the stomach flu or misattributed to food poisoning, is a highly contagious virus responsible for sometimes causing severe vomiting and diarrhea that could last several days.
Multiple pediatrician’s offices have confirmed to Lakewood Alerts that the virus is spreading particularly quickly through Lakewood, adding that many recent cases have been exhibiting diarrhea but not so much vomiting.
Though it seems to be affecting children more in the breakout, norovirus can infect anyone and is primarily spread through direct contact with an infected person, consumption of contaminated food or beverages, or contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus also spreads via the feces and vomit of those infected.
Symptoms of norovirus, including nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches, typically develop suddenly and can last from one to three day, and sometimes will linger slightly longer. Unfortunately, there is currently no direct treatment available for the virus.
Annually, the United States sees between 19 to 21 million cases of norovirus, with the majority occurring between November and April, as per the CDC.
To combat the spread of norovirus, health officials in New Jersey are urging residents to adhere to preventive measures, including regular hand washing with soap and water, disinfecting surfaces with bleach, and washing laundry in hot water.
