'Winter vomiting bug' cases at five-year-high, experts say
Here's how you can protect yourself against the bug.
Cases of norovirus, which is also colourfully referred to as the 'winter vomiting bug' appears to be at a five-year-high according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
“This has been noted for multiple provinces, including Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia,” a PHAC representative told Global News.
It should be noted, however, that COVID-19 lockdowns significantly reduced the spread and reporting of norovirus incidents, bringing cases down over the past five years, and making 2024's numbers look significantly higher in comparison.
The trend isn't isolated to Canada.
By December 5, which is about a month into the normal outbreak season, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) saw 91 cases of norovirus in seven days. By comparison, in 2020, the CDC reported 2 cases of norovirus during the same period.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is sometimes referred to as the "stomach flu," although it is unrelated to influenza. Norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. Norovirus infection typically causes sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever, headache, and muscle aches. It's fast-moving, with symptoms usually lasting 1-3 days, but a person can continue to infect others for two weeks after feeling better, sometimes longer.
Why is it called the winter vomiting bug?
Norovirus earned its nickname because it tends to spread more easily during the colder months.
It is highly contagious and transmits easily in places where people are in close contact, which is more common in winter because people spend more time inside. Schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and other public places tend to be hotspots.
It can circulate year-round, but usually spikes in winter months.
The virus can live on surfaces for up to two weeks and infect others. Norovirus is cold-tolerant, and hand sanitizers don't seem to offer much protection.
How norovirus spreads
Norovirus mainly spreads through direct contact with someone who is ill, by consuming food or drinks contaminated with the virus, or by touching contaminated objects and then putting unwashed fingers in your mouth.
Norovirus prevention tips
To prevent catching or spreading norovirus, the CDC recommends:
Frequent hand washing.
Staying home if you are sick.
Handling food safely. Make sure shellfish is thoroughly cooked and fruits and vegetables, and thoroughly washed.
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with a bleach solution that is effective against norovirus. Standard cleaners and disinfectants may not work.
Immediately laundering linens and clothes that may be contaminated. Dry laundry in a high-heat setting.
If you catch norovirus, experts say you can manage symptoms by staying hydrated, resting, avoiding others, and, when ready, eating bland foods as your stomach heals.
Header image: File photos/Cheryl Santa Maria/Canva. Norovirus image: University of Leeds.
