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Subscribe to RSSA nasty new strain of norovirus, a highly contagious gut bug, has circled the globe and landed in the U.S., where it’s now the leading cause of what’s known indelicately as “winter vomiting disease.”
Health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that the GII.4 Sydney strain of norovirus was responsible for more than half of outbreaks of the illness during the last four months of 2012. The new norovirus spread amid a particularly harsh flu season that's also causing misery.
Of 266 outbreaks of norovirus between September and December, 141 were caused by the bug that was first detected in Australia in March 2012, according to data from CaliciNet, which tracks norovirus outbreaks. The proportion of outbreaks caused by the new strain jumped dramatically from 19 percent in September to 58 percent in December, the CDC says in its weekly report on death and disease.
“Right now, it’s too soon to tell whether the new strain of norovirus will lead to more outbreaks than in previous years. However, CDC continues to work with state partners to watch this closely and see if the strain is associated with more severe illness,” said Dr. Aron Hall, a CDC epidemiologist specializing in viruses.
Like the virus that causes the flu, norovirus mutates quickly, resulting in a new strain every few years, Schaffner said. When that happens, people who’ve already had previous versions of the bug that can cause profuse vomiting and diarrhea are more likely to get it again. “What that means is more of us are susceptible,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.
That can be a particular problem in enclosed spaces, such as cruise ships, nursing homes or other gatherings where people share close quarters.
The virus spreads ridiculously easily, often carried in the air after projectile vomiting, or lingering on surfaces where it infects the next victim, Schaffner said.
“It’s very contagious,” he said. “It takes only a few viral particles.”
In the U.S., norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis, affecting more than 21 million people a year and leading to about 800 deaths, CDC said.
Though the worst part of the infection usually lasts only a few days, young children and the elderly are most at risk of serious complications, typically because of the danger of dehydration from rapid fluid loss.
Another danger is that dehydration can cause blood pressure to drop, resulting in fainting that can lead to falls. Schaffner said when he heard that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton suffered a concussion after fainting following a stomach virus in December, his first thought was norovirus.
“She’s a global traveler; she could have picked it up anywhere,” he said.
CDC officials advised health workers to be vigilant for increases in norovirus outbreaks this winter because of the new GII.4 Sydney strain. They should follow standard infection control practices to prevent norovirus.
In addition, the general public ought to be aware that the new bug is out there and take precautions including washing hands with soap and water, disinfecting surfaces, rinsing fruits and vegetables, cooking shellfish thoroughly and not preparing food or caring for others while ill.
CDC officials said it’s too early to tell whether the new strain will lead to more outbreaks or more serious illness, but they’re watching the situation closely.
Related stories:
- Not always the flu; some may have other viruses
- Projectile vomiting robot helps scientists analyze norovirus
- Reusable grocery bag carried nasty norovirus, scientists say
Leave a Comment:
Wow! I wonder if this is what my mom had recently. She couldn't hardly hold any thing down for about two weeks. No diarrea though thank goodness. She's better now, I'm so glad, as I was starting to really worry about her.
I hope Amazon or LL Bean start selling personal bubbles to wear when we go out in public so we can keep all the germs away!
I'm ready to be a 'Bubble Boy'
Lois,
"No diarrea though thank goodness."
That is a good thing. There is nothing worse than having vomiting and diarrhea at the same time. You don't know whether to hug the toilet bowl or sit on it, and you can't do both at the same time. I hope your mom is better now.
Wow, I thought this article was related to the Secretary of State's testimony yesterday.
My bad.
I'm just glad they didn't try to include some picture to help get the point across.
Same here. I'm the type that vomits if I see vomit. Hec I may barf from just reading about vomit.
I did it. I cough and sneeze on all my money, that's what you get for being a greedy bastard and expecting me too pay.
I had this awful thing back in 2002. Suffice to say it was the worst 8 hours of my life, including having cancer! I'll spare you the details, except to say the logistics were sometimes tricky, but after a few hours I stopped caring.
Yeah, thanks for sparing, lol!
Sounds like the flu Lois. Norovirus lasts 24-36 hours and may I suggest that you park yourself on a toilet...bucket between the knees whenever you "have to go" which can be every 15 minutes. Had this three times and each time got it at a medical site where my mother was being treated.
Also suggest you isolate yourself in the house if you have family. I did that and managed to avoid passing it to the rest of the tribe.
just want to thank Mr. Perfect Attendance for sharing his intestinal fortitude...most all his co-workers just lost two of their sick days for the year...
Damn Viruses! I wonder if they serve any purpose other than to cause misery.
Blackbird,
"may I suggest that you park yourself on a toilet...bucket between the knees whenever you "have to go" which can be every 15 minutes."
That sounds like a good solution for the problem of coming out of both ends. I never thought about that.
the good news...peptobismol sales are up...
Have read and re-read the article.
Any reason to not mention WHERE this has "landed" in the USA???
Just the northeast?
Yeah, I had it and used the "bucket & toilet" method too.
I'll pass on some good advice I got from a nurse friend to help when you finally CAN hold something down (it even helps in between, but not much).
She told me to mix 1/2 grape Gatorade and 1/2 grape juice. The real stuff, not grape "drink". Since I don't like Gatorade, I wasn't thrilled with the idea, but I didn't have enough energy to move so I gave it a try. Surprisingly, didn't taste bad and it DID make me feel better a lot faster.
I've passed this on to a lot of people and most agree it's helped.
I had this several weeks ago (Massachusetts) and my 92 year old mom had it too. She lives an hour away from me and we'd had no contact in that time, so she came down with it independently of me. This article is the first that I've seen which mentions it. Odd, as it's been with us for a while now. It's really a nasty thing.
Wife and I live in Boston and had it as well. It wasn't mention as the populace sickened because Deval needed to appear competent and in control when he suggested raising our income tax by 20%, increasing other taxes and fees, taking all the money from the sales tax so he can give raised to union employees at the MBTA and cutting off many tax deductions.
OK, not a good time to visit Massachusetts. Thanks for the fyi.
Skibum609, that makes no sense. A governor speaks publicly about a health issue only after a state or national health agency or institute raises an alarm. An alarm wasn't raised in relation to this norovirus, and that is why the governor didn't speak about it. An alarm WAS raised in relation to the flu though, and the governor DID speak about it. So much for your theory. Probably makes you feel better though, and so much cheaper than going to see you PCP.
It has been in Maine for the last month. From the articles, I have read, it appears to be a common bug to that area. CDC has no real tracking data or history for this bug, year to year, in Maine. FYI
it's in arkansas...i saw somebody spit'n tobacco juice out their car window on the interstate...a closer look the passenger was sh!t'n like a tied coon...
Lois, it would be very unusual for norovirus to last that long. Symptoms in most people are gone after 2 or 3 days. Norovirus is highly contagious, and although unpleasant, generally is not particularly dangerous except for the elderly, young children or debilitated persons. Because of the excessive symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting it is very easy for these folks to become severely dehydrated.
Joe,
Don't know really what it was, she did finally go to the doctor though, and she said it was some nasty little virus that had been going around and they(the doctors) had seen a lot of it lately. I'm just glad she was finally able to get over it. One good thing can be said of the very cold weather of late, it will kill all these nasty little bugs.
I had this for a couple of days over the weekend of January 5-6. It was very nasty for about 36 hours, then gradually calmed down. I have no idea where I picked it up. Fortunately, I didn't pass it on to anyone else. Last time I had something like this was about five years ago
I had that type of flu about 10 yrs. ago. Any kind of stomach virsus is horrible. I guess the other flu calmed down and Obama is on vacation and Hilliary is done we can bring out some kind of deadly virus now.
Got this New Years Day. Took two days to get over it. Wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
That can be a particular problem in enclosed spaces, such as cruise ships, nursing homes or other gatherings where people share close quarters.
Yeah that would be nasty people puking and pooping all over each other. lol
My family had this..just got over it a few days ago... Nasty. I never puked, but 2 of my kids/wife both did...violently and for a few days. Stay away. I don' think those hand sanitizers work against Norovirus.
I pretty sure the hand sanitizers work against Norovirus. Most Cruise Ship encourage the use of them on the ship. Many have hand sanitizers located around the ship
Who sanitizes the sanitizer dispensers?
Rick: While a good alternative, purel is NOT 100% effective against norwalk virus. Hand washing with soap and warm water is still the best (and preferred) preventive method against its spread.
had it christmas day, me, my wife and one of my daughters, it sucked to no end.
Ok, now I don't want to go outside or be in any sort of human contact anymore. Its too damn risky!
NaNaNaNaNaNaNa!
Both of my brothers had it this past weekend. The first one to get it woke the whole house up because it was so violent. It sounded like he was trying to vomit his butt cheeks through his mouth. Nasty demons trying to be excorcised. You know it's bad when after a long, continuous hurl, all you can hear is them say "Oh my GOD" to themselves in the bathroom. Wow. I think he picked it up in an old-persons' home where he is a maintenance/cleaning guy...said he was cleaning vomit off of one poor old woman's floor.
NJboy: kaopectate and diluted gatorade for your sibs. Dehydration is the greatest danger, regardless of age/medical status, when dealing with lower GI illness. 'Pissing out your a**hole' is guaranteed to be an unpleasant experience. Gastroenteritis will last from 24-60 hours after symptoms begin, which begin as little as 24-48 hours post exposure. Isolate both from family, to prevent its spread; allow only one family member to care/treat them, using proper precautions (mask/gloves) to further limit the spread. Contact his infectious control officer at work, and public health, if neccessary. Treat the symptoms; they will recover. Hang in there.
I had the norovirus several times in the past. It's no fun. About the only thing you can do is take in as much fluids as you can. Hot tea and chicken broth worked for me. You can also try ginger ale, Coke or Pepsi. I tried plain water, but it always tasted terrible when you are sick.
I had this a short while back, unfortunately I was in the grocery checkout line . I ran to front entrance and hurled in a trash can.Then went back embarassed an checked out. Flew home and started from both ends.
martay,
"I had this a short while back, unfortunately I was in the grocery checkout line ."
Throwing up in public is always super embarrassing. I was on a bus going downtown one day when this poor young man threw up all over himself. Fortunately for him, I suffer from terrible allergies and always carry a big wad of tissues around with me in my pocket. So I was able to offer my wad of tissues to him so he could clean himself up because he had nothing to do it with himself.
I had a young, expectant mom-to-be throw up one morning on the mass transit commute bus we shared.
She had what looked like a paper gift bag "ready to go" on her lap and just had to lean forward a bit to catch whatever needed to be caught.
The bus was very crowded, but everyone was understanding.
Best of all, no one else puked in response.
But you're right. It is embarrassing. I remember tossing cookies in elementary school a couple of times, and both times I got to go home. Yay. (LOL)
I pooped my pants coming home from work...sorry..but I did.
modgal,
"I pooped my pants coming home from work...sorry..but I did."
That can happen! It sounds funny reading it, but I'm sure it was not at all funny for you. At least, if it was in the privacy of your own car, it wouldn't have been as embarrassing as if it happened on public transportation.
Just got back from a cruise the day before. Was sitting at my desk when it hit. Emailed my boss...barfed...got in my car and didn't quite make it home. Yes you are right...it happens. I am very glad I was in the privacy of my car...lol.
another hazard of valet parking...
I guess I was just lucky. I wasn't in the checkout line, I was in the produce section. Luckily nobody saw me vomit all over the lettuce.
Tom,
"Luckily nobody saw me vomit all over the lettuce."
But I'll bet they smelled it.
@ Tom...that made me laugh...then my stomach started cramping.
It's not a new strain of norovirus, it's a new strain of obamavirus after seeing Obama's arrogance on inauguration day, a similar obamavirus was going around during the presidential election debates and all Obama's celebrity appearances.
Barb better raise your Toilet Seat, Karma's a Bitch.
Only an idiot would read this story and turn the conversation towards politics!
I was going to complain about the frigid weather but maybe I won't now if it kill these bugs!
Sorry but below freezing temperatures do NOT kill norovirus.Really nasty bug.I agree with the guy who wants to start living in a bubble.It has hit KC hard this past week.
GGirl: Sorry, but norovirus are an capsid enclosed RNA chain that resists cold. It can survive up to 12 hours on solid surfaces, 12 days on fabrics; has been tested to remain in water supplies for over 12 months.
I got Nora virus 7 years ago from a person who was sick and was not allowed to go home. She continued making sandwiches at her job and I happened to get one that she made! 60 reported cases from this place where I got my sandwich!I had never been so violently ill in my life and thought that I was going to be one of the 36,000 who don't survive it!
Sunstarz-1,
"I got Nora virus 7 years ago from a person who was sick and was not allowed to go home."
I'm not sure I understand. Was that a joke? Was the woman who was making these sandwiches named Nora? Or are you telling a serious story about norovirus?
Sunstarz,
That is why people should be allowed to go home if they are sick, without being in jeopardy of losing thier job. I read an article the other day about mandated sick pay. I can see both sides of the debate, but at least mandate that sick people can go home and not worry about losing thier job. I know many can't afford to go without pay, and many small employers can't afford to pay sick pay or feel it is often abused. I'm sure some would abuse it, but a good compromise would be to allow sick time, unpaid, if needed and no job loss as a result.
Instead of mandated sick pay, why not expect American's to run their finances better, and not require some new form of mandated anything.
Cheesy,
I said mandate time off without worry of job loss. I never said mandate sick pay, just sick time.
i have it right now and it hit about midnight last night and I cant even keep water down and cant get the fever to break. I think I got it from my son who had it the first part of the week, but then I have had two patients with it over the last 3weeks so who knows..ITS NASTY NASTY NASTY and I ache all over
Subject zero at my work was a guy who came to work violently ill. He spread his sickness to everyone. That is the problem with the spread of disease. Children might not know better, but adults do... They just run their finances in such a way that they cannot afford to take time off, so the people they work with suffer.
I find it amazing that some of you are decrying the way people earning minimum wage run their finances...if you know how to live at the poverty level AND save money, I certainly think you should share your genius with the world!
I hope I don't get it, I just got over the flu. As for the safe practices, how come they never suggest wiping off the outside of the food packaging also with Lysol or Clorox cleaning wipes?
I've thought about it but haven't taken that further step yet. Maybe it's time, although you also hear we should have some exposure to germs to build up immunities.
What to do, what to do
Had it first week of January. Spent the day with my sister's family and her son started throwing up. WE left, visited another friend, and by 1 am my kids were throwing up. friends kids started the following morning, and me that afternoon. It spread between 3 families with little close contact and like someone else posted, wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.. I thought I was going to die on the bathroom floor.
Thank God it's not "Winter crapping in your pants disease".
Here Here Who ate my soup!
Yeah, Soup, One unnamed member of my family had that during Christmas dinner with a houseful of guests...
An unwelcome Christmas present!
It is!
Did someone already blame this on Obama, i didn't have time to read all of the comments.
Nope, it was U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton fault for bring it back with her. LOL
Sorry Dag, but it's clearly Warren G. Harding who is to blame for this, and there was no way I'd have voted to re-elect the scoundrel even if he'd lived through his first term. I'm sorry, what was the question again?
This ruined my chances to make out with a hot Italian chick when I was 14. I've never gotten over that.
When I turned 18 I got seriously overly drunk and threw up next to a girl, then she threw up, then we made out.
I should have kept in touch with her.
TFNJ, ha-ha-ha,I always throw up when I see someone else do it,whether I'm sick or not.
I forget the movie, maybe Cheaper by the Dozen, where one person threw up then another did because they can't take looking at vomit, and it started a chain reaction of people vomiting. Very funny.
TFNJ,
"one person threw up then another did because they can't take looking at vomit"
How would you like to be the janitor in a bar and have to mop up the vomit in the bathrooms every day?
Can someone explain the part of the article that states people who have had a strain of norovirus in the past are more likely to get a new strain? I took that to mean, compared to people who have never had norovirus? Why would those who have had it before be more likely than those who never have to catch it again?