USA – This winter, cases of a nasty stomach bug are on the rise in some parts of the US, as per government data.
CDC’s latest figures show 91 norovirus outbreaks in the week of Dec 5, up from 69 in late November. Past years saw a max of 65 outbreaks in early December.
Norovirus brings sudden vomiting and diarrhea. It hits cruise ships, nursing homes, jails, schools – anywhere people are close.
Here’s the lowdown on this germ:
It’s the top cause of foodborne illness in the US, causing 58% of such cases yearly, says the CDC.
Health experts note it spreads easily; just 10 viral particles can make you sick.
Around 2,500 outbreaks are reported in the US each year, mostly from Nov to April.
Symptoms include nausea, pain, aches, headache, and fever, plus the vomiting and diarrhea.