Feb. 10, 2023 — The variety of constructive instances of the norovirus, a extremely transmissible gastrointestinal sickness also called the abdomen flu, is rising throughout the US.

There have been 225 norovirus outbreaks reported to the CDC between Aug. 1, 2022, and Jan. 8, 2023, in comparison with 172 outbreaks throughout the identical interval the earlier season, in keeping with CDC information. 

The very best price of constructive assessments is within the Midwest. 

“Whereas norovirus instances are rising within the U.S., CDC information as latest as January 2023 present that reported norovirus outbreaks are inside the anticipated vary for this time of yr,” CDC spokesperson Kate Grusich mentioned, in keeping with NBC Information. 

“Prevention measures carried out through the COVID-19 pandemic have been seemingly efficient in stopping norovirus outbreaks. As pandemic restrictions have relaxed, the variety of norovirus outbreaks has returned to ranges much like pre-pandemic years.” 

Although it is referred to as the abdomen flu, norovirus just isn’t associated to influenza. Signs of norovirus embrace diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdomen ache, fever, and physique aches.

There is no therapy for norovirus, however medical doctors normally advocate individuals drink loads of fluids.

In England, norovirus charges are 66% greater than the common over the 5 seasons earlier than the COVID pandemic, information from the UK Well being Safety Company reveals.The most important rise in constructive instances is in individuals 65 and older.