Health

appalachiablue

(43,164 posts) Mon Dec 30, 2024, 04:15 AM Monday

Norovirus Cases Are Surging In Parts of the US, CDC Data Shows - What to Know. Bird Flu

'Norovirus cases are surging in parts of the US, CDC data shows,' AP News, Dec. 28, 2024.
--------
Cases of a wretched stomach bug are surging in parts of the United States this winter, according to government data. The most recent numbers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show there were 91 outbreaks of norovirus reported during the week of Dec. 5, up from 69 outbreaks the last week of November. Numbers from the past few years show a maximum of 65 outbreaks reported during that first week of December.

A norovirus infection is characterized by sudden vomiting and diarrhea. Outbreaks are often seen on cruise ships, in congregate living situations like nursing homes and jails, as well as schools and places where people are close together. Here are a few things to know about the virus. What is norovirus? Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for 58% of such infections acquired in the country each year, according to the CDC.

Norovirus infections are caused by a group of viruses that spread easily, with as few as 10 viral particles having the ability to make someone sick, health experts say.

There are about 2,500 norovirus outbreaks reported annually in the United States. The outbreaks can occur throughout the year but are most common from November to April. Along with with vomiting and diarrhea, common symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, body ache, headache and fever. How do you get it? Most norovirus outbreaks occur when people who are already infected spread the virus to others by direct means, such as through sharing food or eating utensils. Outbreaks can also be spread through food, water or contaminated surfaces. - How long do you stay sick?...
https://apnews.com/article/norovirus-outbreak-stomach-virus-78e4a5f3c55d0af68f0c9e115c2369e5
--------
- Norovirus Cases Are Skyrocketing: What You Need to Know. It’s not a fun illness to have, for starters (and it’s not the flu).*Feb. 28, 2024.Ed.

.. You can end up getting norovirus in a few different ways:

- When you eat food or drink liquids that are contaminated with norovirus
- When you touch surfaces or objects that are contaminated with norovirus particles and then put your unwashed fingers in your mouth
- When you have direct contact with someone who is infected with norovirus...
https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a42777774/norovirus-symptoms-treatment/

2 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Norovirus Cases Are Surging In Parts of the US, CDC Data Shows - What to Know. Bird Flu (Original Post) appalachiablue Monday OP

Bird Flu Virus Likely Mutated within a Louisiana Patient CDC Says appalachiablue Monday #1

US Norovirus Surge Worst In A Decade appalachiablue Monday #2

appalachiablue

(43,164 posts)

1. Bird Flu Virus Likely Mutated within a Louisiana Patient CDC Says

Reply to appalachiablue (Original post)

Mon Dec 30, 2024, 10:45 AM

Monday

Last edited Mon Dec 30, 2024, 11:47 AM - Edit history (1)

AP News, Dec. 27, 2024. Bird flu virus likely mutated within a Louisiana patient, CDC says

A genetic analysis suggests the bird flu virus mutated inside a Louisiana patient who contracted the nation’s first severe case of the illness, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week. Scientists believe the mutations may allow the virus to better bind to receptors in the upper airways of humans — something they say is concerning but not a cause for alarm.

Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious disease researcher, likened this binding interaction to a lock and key. To enter a cell, the virus needs to have a key that turns the lock, and this finding means the virus may be changing to have a key that might work. “Is this an indication that we may be closer to seeing a readily transmitted virus between people? No,” Osterholm said. “Right now, this is a key that sits in the lock, but it doesn’t open the door.”

The virus has been causing sporadic, mostly mild illnesses in people in the U.S., and nearly all of those infected worked on dairy or poultry farms. The Louisiana patient was hospitalized in critical condition with severe respiratory symptoms from bird flu after coming in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. The person, who has not been identified, is older than 65 and has underlying medical problems, officials said earlier this month...More,
https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-louisiana-mutations-cdc-a870a8d4d86d3dd95f4c0d5c7e9edee5
-------
'How America lost control of the bird flu, setting the stage for another pandemic' Dec. 30, 2024.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100219860708

Cross Post from General Discussion

appalachiablue

(43,164 posts)

2. US Norovirus Surge Worst In A Decade

Reply to appalachiablue (Original post)

Mon Dec 30, 2024, 10:52 AM

Monday

'US Norovirus Surge Worst in a Decade: How to Treat 'Stomach Flu' Sickness, Newsweek, 12.28

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143363540

Cross Post from LBN

Reply to this discussion