The Mirror US
Violent diarrhea virus sweeps across US and forces schools to close as CDC closely monitors bug
Story by Sean McPolin • 17hA super contagious vomiting bug is spreading across the U.S., causing schools to close.
The norovirus, which causes severe diarrhea, has affected many educational institutions in the Northeast. Dr. Alfred Sacchetti from Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in New Jersey warned: "It is incredibly contagious. Just one particle of the norovirus that you ingest will get you sick."
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that areas like New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey are most affected by the virus, with the highest positivity rate for the recent strain. At the start of February, 14% of swab tests in the region were positive, compared to about 12% two weeks earlier and just 4% in November.
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Jacob Joyner, a resident of Cherry Hill in New Jersey, shared that his family members have been hit by the illness. He said: "My 2-year-old was dealing with some stomach issues last week; his whole daycare seems to be having issues."
The virus isn't only affecting the mid-Atlantic region. Positive tests have risen nationally by 12%, a 3% increase from November. The bug is believed to be one of the main causes of stomach problems in the U.S., with up to 21 million cases every year, according to the New York Post.
Usually, it's typical to see a rise in illness between February and March when most people stay indoors and are near each other. But, many people also get sick by consuming contaminated food and drinks, touching unclean surfaces, or being around others who are ill.
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The sickness can cause harsh diarrhea, stomach pains, and vomiting that could lead to serious dehydration. These symptoms can kick in anywhere from 12 to 48 hours after catching the disease and might last up to three days. This sickness is tricky because it spreads so easily, mainly among kids, which is why several schools and daycare centers in the Northeast have had outbreaks.
In Middlesex County, New Jersey, Irving Primary School had to close because of a bad stomach bug outbreak. However, it's open again now thanks to deep cleaning.
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Dr. Alfred Sacchetti gave some advice: "Purel and the alcohol-based stuff doesn't get through the envelope of the virus, and it's still contagious on your hands. Soap and water is the only thing that'll really protect you from this."
People who catch this virus should stay home and avoid making food for others until they feel better, plus two more days. It's also crucial to drink lots of fluids to help recover from any vomiting or diarrhea.
