Norovirus Spreads Through Tainted Surfaces and Contaminated Shellfish in Florida
Norovirus, a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea, is sickening Floridians through tainted surfaces and contaminated shellfish.
High Number of Confirmed Outbreaks in Florida
The Sunshine State is one of 12 in the U.S. with a high number of confirmed outbreaks of the virus. Anyone suffering from a bout of the nasty, extremely contagious virus, beware: it has no specific treatment and typically has to run its course.
Transmission and Contamination
Norovirus can spread through food, touch, and air particles. It only takes a few virus particles to cause infections, so it doesn’t take much exposure to get sick from norovirus.
Seafood Recalls Due to Potential Norovirus Contamination
Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration issued two separate seafood recalls in states, including Florida, over potential norovirus contamination. The recalls were for oysters and Manila clams from Rudy’s Shellfish in Washington and oysters sold as Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi Oysters from British Columbia, Canada.
Symptoms and Prevention
Most people experience symptoms 12 to 48 hours after eating contaminated food. The common symptoms are nausea, stomach pain, fever, headaches, and body aches. To prevent the spread of norovirus, it is essential to wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom or before handling food.
Hand Hygiene
According to Margaret Gorensek, an infectious disease doctor at Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale, “A quick dose of hand sanitizer doesn’t work, only soap and water.” On surfaces, bleach-based products are best.
What to Do if You Get Norovirus
If you get norovirus, it is crucial to stay hydrated. Gorensek recommends Pedialyte, Gatorade or broth. “Water isn’t good because it doesn’t give you the necessary electrolytes,” she said. Young children and anyone with an underlying condition need to be particularly cautious, as they are susceptible to dehydration and are most at risk.
Conclusion
Norovirus is a serious health concern, especially during the holiday season when people are more likely to gather and share food. It is essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including washing your hands frequently, avoiding contaminated food, and staying hydrated if you get sick. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to prevent the spread of norovirus, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.
FAQs
Q: How does norovirus spread?
A: Norovirus can spread through food, touch, and air particles.
Q: How do I prevent the spread of norovirus?
A: To prevent the spread of norovirus, wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom or before handling food, and avoid contaminated food.
Q: What are the symptoms of norovirus?
A: The common symptoms of norovirus are nausea, stomach pain, fever, headaches, and body aches.
Q: How do I treat norovirus?
A: Norovirus has no specific treatment, and symptoms typically have to run their course. It is essential to stay hydrated by drinking Pedialyte, Gatorade or broth.
Q: Who is at risk for norovirus?
A: Young children and anyone with an underlying condition are particularly susceptible to dehydration and are most at risk for norovirus.
