United States: The Minnesota Department Of Health (MDH) published a news release on Monday stating that more than forty outbreaks of norovirus have been confirmed this December. The figure is closer to twice the norm throughout the period.
More about the news
For only people to gather with friends and family during the festivities, the authorities appeal to people to take some measures toward containing the spread of the viruses.
According to the experts, diseases like Noroviruses or the Gastrointestinal flu are easily transmitted.
Minnesota reports more than 40 outbreaks of norovirus in December https://t.co/bjhoGmkUkl
— Park Rapids Enterprise (@PR_Enterprise1) December 24, 2024
It contributes the largest portion of foodborne illness in Minnesota and is the most prevalent cause of such illness, with short courses of diarrhea and vomiting in the United States.
Symptoms of the disease
Some people will experience vomiting and diarrhea, stomach cramps, headaches, muscular aches, low temperature, or chills.
Diarrhoea & vomiting are the gifts nobody wants for Christmas 🎄 🎁 🤢
— UKHSA North West (@UKHSA_NorthWest) December 24, 2024
If you have symptoms of norovirus over the festive period don’t prepare food for others.
Have a happy, healthy Christmas! pic.twitter.com/JoyzSSdugp
It takes another one to two days for symptoms to resolve, and although you may feel better, the virus is still contagious at this stage, the CDC notes.
How it spreads?
As per the CDC guidelines:
- Getting close contact with another person who has contracted the virus.
- Contact with food or liquids containing the virus
- Rubbing one’s mouth with the finger that he has touched an infected surface without washing it.
As MDH stated, the mean estimate reveals that most people will be affected by norovirus about five times in life.
Tips to control the spread
- Many hand sanitizers do not eliminate the norovirus virus. Soap and water hand wash can eliminate most pathogens in 20 seconds and must be done before preparing most foods or after using the bathroom.
- Ensure you do not prepare food for other people if you have had vomiting and or diarrhea in the last 3 days.
Updated: There have been reports of norovirus-like gastrointestinal illness after eating raw oysters from BC. A food recall warning has been issued for certain oysters due to norovirus. Do not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute recalled products: https://t.co/fdz5o4QTVI pic.twitter.com/qIVs6hsLuF
— BC Centre for Disease Control (@CDCofBC) December 23, 2024
- Also, there is no need to consume food prepared by another person infected with a disease or illness.
- Disinfect the area put into contact with blood or other infected body fluids using a bleach solution.
- Make sure oysters and other related fish products are well cooked before one takes them.