What to know about "winter vomiting disease" as norovirus spikes
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A norovirus that causes extreme vomiting has been on the rise.
Why it matters: Nicknamed the "winter vomiting disease," the highly contagious norovirus arrived weeks ahead of expectations, per the CDC.
- It's surging as cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, are spiking and the dangers of COVID and flu loom.
- The sickness could require medical attention or even hospitalization for immunocompromised people, the elderly and little kids, the CDC says.
By the numbers: About 14% of tests for norovirus came back positive during the week of Nov. 15, double the roughly 7% positivity three months prior, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Zoom in: Because health care providers are not required to report patients diagnosed with norovirus to public health in Washington, the state does not have statistics on how many cases are currently occurring, Department of Health spokesperson Mark Johnson told Axios.
- But cases do typically peak in the winter months, per Johnson.
Context: Norovirus is super contagious and spreads quickly, according to multiple health officials, mainly through drops of body fluids or contact with contaminated surfaces or food.
- It is the top cause of vomiting and diarrhea, per the CDC.
- Norovirus is different than the "stomach bug" or "stomach flu," and is not related to the flu, which comes from the influenza virus.
- The virus can linger for several days or weeks, and spread quickly through highly populated environments like nursing homes, day care centers and cruise ships, the AMA reports.
Anyone who consumes raw oysters or other filter-feeding shellfish could be at risk for contracting the norovirus, according to the CDC.
The bottom line: Public Health-Seattle & King County says the best way to protect yourself is by thoroughly washing your hands.