NOROVIRUS WARNING ISSUED IN US

The United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning saying the number of norovirus cases is increasing rapidly.

CNN reports that norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US. According to the CDC, it’s responsible for 19 million to 21 million illnesses every year. It results in over 2.2 million outpatient medical visits, 465,000 emergency department visits and 109,000 hospitalisations.

The virus, a common stomach bug, has been reported in several countries around the world.

Although this isn’t a new bug, the increased numbers are more than in other years.

The centre has said that symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Other less common symptoms include low-grade fever, headaches, chills, and muscle aches.

Norovirus cases have been reported in the United Kingdom, South Africa and some Asian countries.

People are urged to stay hydrated if they get the virus and go to their nearest healthcare provider if the symptoms don’t get better.

Image credit: WashU Medicine