Northwest Florida has so far avoided the nationwide outbreak of the norovirus, but are keeping an eye on the more serious illness as winter progresses.
In early December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported double the cases of norovirus compared to previous years – after outbreaks have been reported across the country.
“The hospital is seeing more patients with cold and flu symptoms but not so much as norovirus,” said Candy McGuire, marketing director at Baptist Health Care in Pensacola.
Kendrick Doidge, spokesman for HCA Florida West Hospital, echoed McGuire.
“We have not seen an uptick. It’s just been an average for us,” he said, adding hospital staff is keeping an eye on the frigid temperatures heading this way next week. “We’ll see how things are after this weather system.”
Still other parts of the country seem to have been hit hard with the norovirus. During the week of Dec. 5, the CDC reported 91 cases of norovirus, which is over double the highest number recorded between 2021 and 2024.
The report comes after a Minnesota Department of Health press release stating Minnesota saw double the average number cases of stomach flu in December.
As cases increase, here’s what to know about norovirus.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from inflammation of the stomach and intestines, or gastroenteritis, according to the CDC.
The virus is also the number one cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. and causes 58% of the illnesses acquired.
Norovirus recently found on cruise ships, at food events
Over 80 people at an event in Los Angeles were also reported to have been made sick this month after eating oysters at the Los Angeles Times 101 Best Restaurants event, USA TODAY previously reported.
Oysters from British Columbia, Canada were also recalled after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued multiple advisories warning people that the shellfish could be contaminated with the virus.
Outbreaks of norovirus have also been found on multiple cruise ships this month.
Last week, 83 guests and a dozen crew members on a Holland American Line cruise reported being ill on a voyage that departed Fort Lauderdale Dec. 8 and ended Dec. 20.
Their main symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea.
The outbreak followed a separate norovirus outbreaks on Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess in a voyage that ended Dec. 18 and a cruise on Holland America’s Zuiderdam that ended Dec. 14.
Seniors and children most affected by norovirus
While anyone can contract the virus, it affects certain age groups more severely than others.
People who are more likely to visit an outpatient or emergency department are children 5 years and younger or seniors over the age of 85, according to the CDC.
The virus is responsible for almost a million pediatric medical care visits, according to the CDC.
What are the symptoms of norovirus illness?
The following are symptoms of norovirus infection, according to the Minnesota Department of Health and the Cleveland Clinic:
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Urinating less or having dark-colored pee
Less common symptoms are:
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Low-grade fever or chills
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A person who is sick and has been infected with the virus will typically experience the symptoms suddenly.
“The infected person may feel very sick and vomit often, sometimes without warning, many times a day,” according to the department.
Children with the virus may be fussy, sleepy throughout the day and cry without tears.
When do norovirus symptoms appear?
People will begin to show symptoms between one to two days after they’ve been exposed to the virus, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. But, sometimes, symptoms may appear 12 hours after ingesting it.
The illness will usually last between one to two days.
While a person infected with the virus may experience unpleasant symptoms, others may be symptomatic and show no symptoms at all. However, they can still be contagious and pass the virus to others.
How does norovirus spread?
The following are ways a person can contract the highly contagious virus, according to the Cleveland Clinic:
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Consuming foods or drinks contaminated with the virus
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Being in close contact with an infected person
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Touching their mouth or nose after touching contaminated surfaces
People are more likely to spread the virus to people with whom they share food or utensils, or people with whom they have close contact or are caring for.
While the virus can be contracted at any time of the year, it is most commonly spread from November to April, according to the CDC. During the years when a new strain of the virus, there are 50% more cases of the illness.
What to do if you have norovirus
While it may be difficult, people infected with the virus should still eat and drink throughout the day, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The CDC advises those sick with the virus to stay hydrated and drink fluids often. Sports drinks, like Gatorade or Body Armor, can help with rehydration, but may not replenish nutrients and minerals the way oral rehydration fluids, like Pedialyte, can.
Do not take any antibiotics, as they won’t treat the virus, according to the CDC.
How to stop the spread of the illness
The following are way to prevent the spread of norovirus, according to the CDC:
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Stay at home for at least two days after symptoms stop if you’ve been infected
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Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
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Washing laundry in hot water
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Clean and disinfect any contaminated surfaces
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Thoroughly clean produce, like fruits and vegetables, and shellfish
Make sure to always wash your hands after doing the following:
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Touching common surfaces, like elevator buttons or door handles.
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Shaking hands with another person
Contributing: Mary Mabins, Saleen Martin, Fernando Cervantes Jr. and Nathan Diller; USA TODAY NETWORK.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola stomach flu norovirus: Area safe from outbreak
