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Norovirus continues to spread This month led to rapid school closures across the United States and state health officials to issue public health warnings.
highly infectious virusAccording to the , it is also known as “winter vomiting disease”, resulting in an average of 20 million cases and 900 deaths each year. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
been there more than 150 outbreaks Agency for Infectious Diseases in 2025 data shows, with virus Spreading mainly in Central America
According to this, the highest number of cases are in Montana, Wyoming, Alabama and Colorado. Health information platform Epic Research,
But recent outbreaks in Massachusetts and michigan Dozens of students and staff members have been sent home, and a wave of cases in Virginia has strained emergency rooms, WJLA Report.
school disruption
Roberts Elementary School in Medford, Massachusetts remained closed for a second day on Friday after more than 130 students were absent on Wednesday. The school said more than 20 staff members said they were experiencing similar symptoms.
stops after about a month Detroit’s Wilson Middle School closed A suspected outbreak, possibly linked to turkey meat that was served at lunch.
The cause of the outbreak in Medford was unclear and the school building has been deemed “safe and clean” by the state board of health.
“A professional company is conducting a deep cleaning of the school today, including all classrooms, door handles, kitchen equipment and frequently touched surfaces,” the school wrote in a letter. Post On its website.
In Virginia, health experts have reported rising cases. Fairfax County Public Schools sent letters to parents informing them that students at many schools are experiencing an increase in vomiting and diarrhea, WJLA reports.
“It’s just sky-high,” said Dr. Melissa Vire of the Richmond City Health District. WRIC“But it’s not surprising to me that this time of year we’re seeing an increase in this type of disease activity,”
Winter Hike Safety Tips
Doctors expected an increase during the winter months. last winter, Dozens of outbreaks reported In the first week of December.
Anyone can become infected, although children under five, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop serious infections.
Typical symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, fever, head and body aches, and diarrhea and vomiting which can lead to dehydration and even death.
Most people infected recover within 24 to 72 hours, but they can still spread the virus two weeks after symptoms appearTo prevent infection, experts ask people to wash hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds, Hand sanitizer can’t kill norovirus,
“Alcohol can’t break down the shield. A detergent like soap can do that most of the time,” Dr. Michele Barron, UCHealth’s senior medical director of infection prevention and control, said in an interview. statement,
People should be sure to wash fruits and vegetables, clean and disinfect any contaminated surfaces, wash clothes in hot water to kill any bacteria, and cook shellfish thoroughly.
Some outbreaks are linked to oysters and clams, which can harbor the virus. Dr. Scott Roberts, an assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine, warned that although the US has not yet reached the level of last year’s surge, it is still too early to predict how severe this season will be. TODAY.com,
“Time will tell how bad it will be. Now is the time to be alert,” he said. “I expect things to get worse before they get better.”