Winter Vomiting Bug Cases Reach Five-Year High, Experts Warn
Experts report a significant rise in norovirus cases, also known as the winter vomiting bug, across Canada and the U.S.
Norovirus, Canada, United States, Public Health, Gastroenteritis
Toronto: So, it looks like norovirus, or the winter vomiting bug, is making a big comeback. The Public Health Agency of Canada says cases are at a five-year high.
This spike is happening in several provinces, including Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia. It’s a bit concerning, right?
Now, keep in mind that during the COVID-19 lockdowns, norovirus cases dropped a lot. So, when you compare this year’s numbers to the last five years, it seems way worse.
And it’s not just Canada feeling the heat. The U.S. is seeing a rise too. Just last month, the CDC reported 91 cases in a week, which is a huge jump from just two cases in the same week back in 2020.
Norovirus is super contagious and can cause nasty stomach issues. You might feel sudden nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps. The symptoms usually stick around for a couple of days, but you can still spread it for weeks after you feel better.
So, why do they call it the winter vomiting bug? Well, it spreads more easily in the colder months when people are cooped up inside. Schools and nursing homes are often hotspots.
The virus can hang around on surfaces for up to two weeks, and regular hand sanitizers don’t do much against it. Yikes!
It spreads mainly through contact with sick people, contaminated food, or touching surfaces and then eating without washing your hands.
To avoid catching it, the CDC suggests washing your hands often, staying home if you’re sick, and cleaning surfaces with a strong bleach solution. If you do get sick, just stay hydrated and rest up.