Nasty Stomach Bug Strikes New Jersey Again: What You Need to Know

Nasty Stomach Bug Strikes New Jersey Again: What You Need to Know

A virus that may have your entire family battling over the restroom is returning to New Jersey with the fall foliage and chilly breeze.

The NJ Department of Health (DOH) reports that the norovirus, also referred to as the "stomach bug" or "stomach flu," is once again spreading throughout the state.

Because the norovirus is most commonly reported in late fall, winter, and early spring, outbreaks have appeared earlier than typical this year, according to NJ health authorities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the norovirus kills over 900 individuals annually, primarily adults 65 and older. It also causes 109,000 hospitalizations, 465,000 ED visits, and 2.7 million outpatient clinic visits.

Signs and symptoms

The NJ Department of Health states that severe gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines, can be brought on by norovirus.

According to specialists, diarrhea, vomiting (which can cause dehydration), and stomach pain are some of the symptoms of gastroenteritis. Additionally, some infected individuals may get body aches, headaches, and fevers.

Because of its short incubation period and strong contagiousness, the condition is quite concerning to medical professionals. According to officials, some people may start showing symptoms 10 to 12 hours after being exposed to the virus.

According to officials, the virus is spread by coming into close contact with an infected person, handling or consuming contaminated food, particularly shellfish, and coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. The norovirus can linger on surfaces for hours or even days, according to specialists.

Prevention

The best defense against norovirus, according to experts, is frequent and thorough hand washing with soap. When handling food, changing diapers, or tending to an infected individual, this is very crucial. In addition, officials say that washing your hands is a much more effective way to fight the norovirus than using hand sanitizer.

View the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) list of preventative strategies:

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

Wash fruits and vegetables and make sure shellfish are cooked through.

Contaminated surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected.

Use hot water to wash your clothes.

If you contract norovirus, you should do your best to avoid contact with healthy people to help contain it.

TREATMENT

The norovirus has no known cure or treatment, and experts warn locals that since it is not a bacterial infection, antibiotics would not alleviate its symptoms.

To prevent dehydration brought on by vomiting and diarrhea, health professionals advise getting lots of rest and drinking lots of water. Drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine should be avoided by those who are ill, but water, juices, and electrolytes are recommended.

According to specialists, infected individuals should also stay away from items that could aggravate their symptoms and limit themselves to "bland" foods like toast, rice, and bananas until their symptoms subside.