Norovirus stomach bug cases on the rise

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Cases of norovirus, a highly contagious and frankly miserable stomach bug are on the rise in the United States, according to the CDC.

“We’re actually 300 or 400 cases above where we were last year,” said Valley Health nurse practitioner Olivia Legg.

She says she’s seen a lot of stomach bug cases lately.

“Nausea, diarrhea, reduced appetite, fatigue,” she listed some of the symptoms.

These symptoms can become severe, lasting up to 72 hours. Legg says for the average healthy adult, the symptoms will pass on their own. You have to keep a close eye on it because you can lose dangerous amounts of fluid.

“The littles, babies, toddlers, things like that, and older folks typically because they don’t have the same reserves that we do,” Legg said.

There are red flags to look out for in babies and toddlers, if you notice their diaper stays especially dry over the day, they should be seen by a professional. Plus, if they are experiencing abdominal pain, high fevers, or are unable to tolerate fluids without vomiting.

“If they’re really lethargic, and kids will be tired if they don’t feel good, but I’m talking hard to rouse, they need to be checked out more emergently,” Legg said.

The CDC says you can still spread norovirus symptoms two weeks after you feel better, and products like Lysol won’t cut it.

The CDC advises using “a chlorine bleach solution with a concentration of 1,000 to 5,000 ppm (5 to 25 tablespoons of household bleach [5% to 8%] per gallon of water)” and leaving it on the surface for at least five minutes.

“Folks need to be washing their hands with actual soap and water, even if their hands aren’t visibly soiled,” Legg said.

For the most part you just have to let it pass by resting and rehydrating. Good hygiene can help you hopefully avoid it altogether.

The most important thing to focus on with a stomach bug is staying hydrated, only with water and clear liquids.

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