A new norovirus strain, known as GII.4 Sydney, has been identified as the main cause of norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. from September to December 2012.
One British scientist called it the "Ferrari of the virus field" for its ability to spread rapidly. Fewer than 20 virus particle are enough to infect someone.
The Centers for Disease Control says the stomach bug has caused 140 local outbreaks since September, and that the number of outbreaks caused by a newly discovered strain jumped 30% in December.
Often confused with the stomach flu because of its contemporaneous circulation with influenza during winter months, norovirus causes 21 million cases of illness, often involving severe vomiting and diarrhea; 70,000 hospitalizations each year in the U.S.; and 800 deaths. While influenza is a respiratory illness, norovirus, which comes in five forms, attacks the stomach and intestinal tract, causing inflammation of tissues that leads to pain, nausea, as well as diarrhea and vomiting.
Norovirus is highly infectious. There are no treatments for norovirus, other than riding out the infection, but Treanor and a group of scientists are currently testing a vaccine developed by LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals. The shot contains a part of the norovirus’ outer layer, which they hope will generate a strong immune response in those who get immunized.
The viruses are found in the vomit and stool of infected people. You can get it by
People with norovirus illness are contagious from the moment they begin feeling sick until at least 3 days after they recover. But, some people may be contagious for even longer.
According to CDC specialists, the best ways to prevent norovirus infection include:
One British scientist called it the "Ferrari of the virus field" for its ability to spread rapidly. Fewer than 20 virus particle are enough to infect someone.
The Centers for Disease Control says the stomach bug has caused 140 local outbreaks since September, and that the number of outbreaks caused by a newly discovered strain jumped 30% in December.
Often confused with the stomach flu because of its contemporaneous circulation with influenza during winter months, norovirus causes 21 million cases of illness, often involving severe vomiting and diarrhea; 70,000 hospitalizations each year in the U.S.; and 800 deaths. While influenza is a respiratory illness, norovirus, which comes in five forms, attacks the stomach and intestinal tract, causing inflammation of tissues that leads to pain, nausea, as well as diarrhea and vomiting.
Norovirus is highly infectious. There are no treatments for norovirus, other than riding out the infection, but Treanor and a group of scientists are currently testing a vaccine developed by LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals. The shot contains a part of the norovirus’ outer layer, which they hope will generate a strong immune response in those who get immunized.
The viruses are found in the vomit and stool of infected people. You can get it by
- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus (someone gets stool or vomit on their hands, then touches food or drink).
- Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting your hand or fingers in your mouth.
- Having direct contact with a person who is infected with norovirus (for example, when caring for someone with norovirus or sharing foods or eating utensils with them).
People with norovirus illness are contagious from the moment they begin feeling sick until at least 3 days after they recover. But, some people may be contagious for even longer.
According to CDC specialists, the best ways to prevent norovirus infection include:
- wash your hands with soap and water
- rinse fruits and veggies
- disinfect surfaces
- don't prepare food or care for others while sick
- cook shellfish thoroughly
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