(KTLA) — Health officials are warning the public that cases of norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting disease,” have been spiking across Southern California ahead of the winter season.
The contagious virus affects the gastrointestinal system, causing vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea that could last several days. Symptoms typically begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure.
The virus spreads when someone accidentally ingests small particles of feces or vomit from a person who is infected.
Norovirus levels are increasing across California, and the rise is especially notable in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay areas, according to the California Department of Public Health.
In L.A. County, concentrations of norovirus are on the rise in wastewater, confirming an upswing in overall infections, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The emergence of a new strain, GII.17, could lead to an increase of 50% more infections than in years past, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Norovirus is highly contagious and remains the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea in the U.S., the CDC said. Outbreaks typically spike during the cooler months between November and April and are easy to spread among those living in close quarters or shared spaces.
Medical experts are advising the public to be alert and to practice good hygiene.
“It can stay on doorknobs and food and it’s pretty hearty,” explained Dr. Suman Radhakrishna, Director of Infectious Disease at Dignity Health Medical Center. “When someone ingests it or touches it and then places their hand on their mouth, they can get the virus. You don’t need a lot of the virus to get infected.”
Doctors say the best and easiest way to stay healthy is to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
“Whether you have the virus or not, sing the Happy Birthday [song] twice when you’re washing with soap and water, especially before you eat,” Radhakrishna advised. “Other times, the hand sanitizer works, but it doesn’t work very well for norovirus, unfortunately.”
People should avoid touching their face with dirty hands, touching any food or items that may have been handled by other people and should disinfect any surfaces that might have been contaminated.
Anyone who becomes infected with the virus should stay hydrated, eat soft, bland foods and stay home from work or school to reduce potential spread.
For most people, norovirus usually clears up within a few days. However, for some, especially young children, older adults, those who are pregnant or anyone with weakened immune systems or medical conditions, there may be complications, especially from dehydration.
“The time to seek care in the emergency room is when you cannot drink enough fluids,” Radhakrishna explained. “Or let’s say, if you were lying down and when you try to sit up, you feel dizzy because you are so dehydrated, these are times when you should call your doctor, go to the emergency room or go to urgent care.”
Warning signs of dehydration include fatigue, dry mouth and throat, listlessness, dizziness and decreased urine output. Children who are dehydrated might cry with little or no tears. They also might be unusually sleepy or fussy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, you should seek medical attention if symptoms persist after a few days or you experience severe vomiting, stomach pain or bloody stools.
More information about norovirus symptoms and prevention can be found here.
