PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It’s also one of the most common infectious diseases due to how quickly and easily it spreads.
Dr. Raghav Tirupathi, Medical Director of Infectious Diseases for WellSpan Chambersburg, says its symptoms can imitate the flu.
“It’s a viral GI infection that affects the gut, the stomach, and the intestines, so it’s a very contagious virus,” Tirupathi said.
People can contract the virus through direct contact with another person.
It can also be contracted indirectly on surfaces.
Those who are immunocompetent are less likely to seek care when experiencing symptoms.
The virus can be dangerous for children and the elderly who have weakened or underdeveloped immune systems.
“They should seek medical attention in an urgent care, or an emergency room type of setting where they could be fluid replated with IV hydration, not just oral hydration,” Tirupathi said.
Dr. Tirupathi says he’s seen an uptick in patients over the past several weeks.
“The numbers have gone up in general more than the previous years.”
In late February, the CDC reported a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of 16.2% across the northeast.
That’s the highest PCR detection since early March 2022 at 16.1%.
Dr. Tirupathi says the surge of positive cases could be due to a lack of prevention.
Cases are also known to surge between November and April.
“Previously, covid was the big elephant in the room and now other viral infections have come back to establish their rightful place,” Tirupathi said.
What’s the best way people can avoid infection?
“Hand washing, hand washing, hand washing, I cannot stress that more,” Tirupathi said.
Anyone with symptoms is encouraged to stay home for as long as symptoms persist and try to limit contact with anyone else to further avoid spreading the infection.