Norovirus Cases Spike Across MA This Winter: Reports

MASSACHUSETTS — Cases of confirmed norovirus have jumped in Massachusetts — along with those across the country — in recent months as the nasty stomach infection has emerged early in the winter season.

Norovirus cases spiked in December, more than doubling from November fro 134 cases to 279 cases in the Bay State, according to published reports.

The symptoms of NLV infection include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Other symptoms can include headache, fever, and chills, and muscle aches, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. These symptoms usually begin one to two days after exposure to the virus and will last about one to two days in most people, with no long-term effects.

NLV must be swallowed to cause infection. NLV is then passed in the stool and vomit of infected people from the day they start to feel ill up to as long as two to three weeks after they feel better. NLV are usually spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or drinks or by close contact with an infected person. Foods can become contaminated by infected foodworkers.

Some foods, like oysters and berries, can be contaminated with NLV before being delivered to a restaurant or store if they come in contact with contaminated water.

There state DPH said there is no specific treatment for NLV infection. NLV cannot be treated with antibiotics and people usually get better without medical attention in one to two days. There is a risk for dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea so it is important to drink plenty of fluids. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your health care provider.

The DPH recommends following these tips for helping prevent a norovirus infection:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet, and after changing diapers.
• Make sure all food preparation areas are clean before use.
• Cook your food completely. Wash all fruits and vegetables.
• When traveling to an area that might have contaminated water, drink bottled, preferably carbonated, beverages and do not use ice.
• After episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, clean contaminated surfaces immediately with a bleach-based household cleaner.
• If you are taking care of someone who has vomited or who has diarrhea, wash your hands with plenty of soap and warm water after cleaning the bathroom, helping the person use the toilet, or changing diapers, soiled clothes, or soiled sheets.
• If you or your child has persistent diarrhea (with or without a fever), or the diarrhea is very bad, call your healthcare provider for advice.

Healthcare providers are required by law to report cases of NLV to the local board of health. Workers at food-related businesses who have NLV must stay out of work for 72 hours after their symptoms have stopped.

In NLV outbreaks at food-related businesses, food-handling employees will be required to provide stool specimens for testing. This law also applies to workers in schools, residential programs, day-care and healthcare facilities who feed, give mouth care or dispense medications to clients or patients.