ALABAMA, USA — We are in the middle of norovirus season, a common stomach virus that is very contagious. Alabama Department of Public Health investigates these possible virus outbreaks daily. ADPH says in the last four weeks, six norovirus or norovirus-like outbreaks have been reported to them.
Dr. Karen Landers, Chief Medical Officer for ADPH says, "this is a virus that we see year-round, but we do see it more prominently in the winter season. And I think a lot of that is due to people being indoors...they're not going out of their home.. they're more people close together and it's so easily transmissible."
Through investigating these recent possible outbreaks, ADPH says 67% have been associated with skilled nursing or assisted living facilities, 17% with schools or daycares, and another 17% with colleges or universities.
"Persons develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and it can range in terms of severity. And the concern that I have as a physician is always persons that aren't able to keep up with their hydration," Dr. Landers said.
A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed, with most getting better within 1 to 3 days.
Although many recover, the biggest concern is dehydration, especially among children and older individuals.
"Dehydration can aggravate underlying medical conditions or dehydration in and of itself, you know, can kill people if it becomes extremely severe," Dr. Landers said.
She shares the best preventative measures are, "good hand-washing, good environmental sanitation, you know, especially during times that persons in their home have an illness of this nature, using a separate bathroom, keeping their bathroom environmentally clean."
As well as sanitizing surfaces, door handles, keeping utensils and dishes clean, washing fruits and vegetables and cooking seafood thoroughly.
Ultimately, Dr. Landers urges that when you're sick, please stay home, rest, and drink plenty of water.
"Just be aware of how to manage self care and be aware of when to contact your health care provider."
She says currently we're seeing kind of a typical winter season for norovirus.
At this time there is no vaccine to prevent it nor a drug to treat it.