Norovirus Cases Rising; Huntington Hospital Urges Precautions, Vigilance

Health officials are warning residents to take precautions as norovirus cases increase nationwide, with Huntington Health in Pasadena reporting concern over hospitalizations linked to the highly contagious stomach virus.

Norovirus, often called the “stomach flu,” causes vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration, and is responsible for 56,000 to 71,000 hospitalizations and 570 to 800 deaths each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Kimberly Shriner, medical director of infection prevention and control at Huntington Health, said dehydration related to the virus is the leading cause of hospitalizations of patients suffering  from norovirus.

“The symptoms can make people not only feel genuinely bad — with nausea and diarrhea — but they can also lead to dehydration, making compromised people quite ill, causing hospitalization,” Shriner said.

The CDC estimates about 20 million Americans contract norovirus each year. Officials say the virus spreads easily in crowded settings such as senior living facilities and can survive on surfaces for weeks. Recent outbreaks have been linked to contaminated oysters, and experts believe increased public interaction following COVID-19 lockdowns has heightened exposure.

Shriner spotlighted that handwashing with soap and water remains the most effective prevention method. “The best tool to prevent this virus is frequent handwashing. Interestingly, we are learning that hand sanitizers are not as beneficial in preventing the spread of this virus. So it’s important to take every precaution to wash hands and keep surfaces and linens clean if you are living in a space where your friends or family members have the virus,” she said.

Health authorities advise residents to:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables and fully cook oysters and other shellfish (140 F will kill norovirus).
• Stay home when sick and avoid preparing food for others until at least two days after symptoms end.
• Disinfect contaminated areas with a bleach solution (1 cup bleach per 1 gallon water).

Norovirus causes gastroenteritis — short-term inflammation of the digestive system — which can include stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, a low-grade fever, headache and body aches.

Vomiting and diarrhea can occur many times a day, which can cause dehydration, especially in young children, seniors and people with compromised health.

Signs of dehydration include less-than-normal urination, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when standing up. Children with dehydration may cry with few to no tears and be unusually sleepy or irritable.

Infected people are contagious as soon as they feel ill and for a few days after they feel better, but one can be contagious for two weeks or longer after symptoms resolve.

Norovirus is found in vomit and feces; when an infected person vomits, the virus can land on nearby surfaces and objects. Unwashed hands can contaminate food. Transmission can occur by caring for an infected person, changing diapers, eating or drinking food touched by an infected person, eating undercooked shellfish from contaminated waters, touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or food before washing your hands, using a contaminated toilet, or cleaning up infected vomit or diarrhea without protective gear. Reinfection is possible because of the virus’s many strains.

Treatment focuses on fluid replacement. Drinking lots of fluids is recommended to replenish fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea and prevent dehydration. Contact your doctor if you suspect dehydration. Norovirus is not treated with antibiotics because it is not caused by bacteria.

For more information, residents can consult the CDC’s norovirus guidance at cdc.gov.