Norovirus causes about 110 thousand hospitalizations each year and nearly 1000 deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, keeps track of all positive tests for Norovirus. Since the test is not routine, only a small subset of the actual number of victims is recorded “officially” each year. Estimates put the number of Norovirus victims in the United States at between 19 and 21 million, with the average victim suffering gastrointestinal illness, often including vomiting and diarrhea with severe cramping, for 2 to 4 days. Most victims do not seek medical attention, but about 109,000 victims require hospitalization each year, and on average, 900 Americans succumb to the illness each year. It is a serious bug.
According to Ron Simon, one of the nation’s leading Norovirus lawyers, Norovirus is highly communicable, and lives on even hard, cold surfaces making it hard to eradicate. It can even be carried on clothing. Mr. Simon recommends: (1) Washing hands frequently, with warm soapy water; (2) cleaning surfaces where food is prepared, stored, or otherwise makes contact with food since Norovirus has to be consumed to infect a person; and (3) try not to handle food with your bare hands or touch your face – as most Americans do, on average, between 26 and 69 times an hour (depending on the study used to calculate this phenomenon).
Yes – cell phones are now a common source of viruses and other communicable diseases!
What is Going on with Norovirus in the Northeast?
According to the CDC, there has been a stark increase in Norovirus cases sweeping the Northeast, with no signs of stopping. The virus changes and mutates regularly, so some people will get it multiple times. It is easily spread, usually through close contact with an infected person and then ingested through food or drink, ostensibly off the victims own hands, or though cross-contamination. The only way to slow the advance of the virus is to practice good personal hygiene and prevent the virus from getting into food or beverages – NOTE: Food workers who are symptomatic should not work for 48 to 72 hours after symptoms abate!
