What to know about symptoms, prevention

On By Littum

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A highly contagious stomach bug is spreading across the country and on the rise in Larimer County.

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea and is likely what you have when you’re sick with the “stomach flu” or “a stomach bug,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus is also the leading cause of foodborne illness.

Norovirus spreads very easily and symptoms appear quickly. Here’s what you need to know about the virus as it rises in Colorado and across the country.

What are the symptoms of norovirus?

Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea, and symptoms tend to come on quickly and typically last 24-36 hours, according to Michelle Barron, senior medical director of infection prevention and control for UCHealth.

Other symptoms may include abdominal cramps, less frequent urination or dark-colored urine, dry mouth or weakness, or dizziness. Less common symptoms include low-grade fever or chills, headache or muscle aches.

The virus spreads quickly, and once symptoms appear, you’ve already been contagious, Barron said.

“By the time you find out, chances are everyone in your house is already exposed,” Barron said. “It’s hard to control.”

When is norovirus season?

Norovirus typically peaks in the colder months, but it can occur year-round, according to the CDC.

At UCHealth facilities across Colorado, 336 people tested positive for norovirus from July through September, Barron said. Positive tests more than doubled to 681 between October and December.

“It’s increasing, there’s no question,” Barron said.

Barron said positive tests are “probably just the tip of the iceberg of what’s really out there,” since many don’t get tested and norovirus spreads easily within a household.

While it’s typical to see a spike in cases in the winter, like Colorado is seeing now, Barron said anecdotally that she believes there are “a lot more cases than we’ve had in recent years.

Viral stomach illnesses are not reportable conditions to the Larimer County Department of Health, so there is no reliable data on its prevalence in the community, according to Matt Bauer, the department’s communicable disease and emergency manager.

The county tracks norovirus outbreaks and emergency room visits, Bauer said in an email. Although there has not been a significant increase in emergency room visits, there has been an increase in norovirus outbreaks since October. The increase in outbreaks is notable but typical for this time of year, Bauer said.

Data from the CDC shows that norovirus is on the rise across the country higher than previous years.

How is norovirus spread?

Norovirus is spread through fecal particles, Bauer said, either from consuming contaminated food or water or by direct person-to-person contact.

Norovirus spreads easily from person to person, especially in a household, as well as at parties or where people are gathered in the same room, such as at school or work, Barron said. There are typically spikes in the virus during the holidays, when people gather with family or friends and share food, and right after the holidays, when people return to work and school.

People of all ages can become infected with norovirus, and symptoms typically start 12-48 hours after exposure, according to the CDC.

“You can be the healthiest person on the planet and still get this,” Barron said.

How can I avoid spreading or catching norovirus?

Norovirus can live on your hands and surfaces and then be transmitted to another person indirectly when they touch a contaminated surface or object and then touch their mouth, Bauer said.

The best way to avoid spreading or catching norovirus is to wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom or before cooking, Bauer said.

Barron also recommended cleaning surfaces in high-traffic areas with bleach, especially bathrooms. If you use bleach wipes or other cleaning products, make sure the packaging says it kills norovirus.

Alcohol is not effective against norovirus, so hand sanitizer won’t do the trick.

How can I treat norovirus?

There are no treatments for norovirus, Bauer said, but the good news is that symptoms typically last only one to three days, and most people don’t need medical attention to recover.

Barron said people who are sick should watch for signs of dehydration. If you are unable to keep the fluids down, you may need to go to the hospital for IV fluids. Barron recommended keeping electrolyte drinks and salty crackers or other snacks that are easier on your stomach on hand to make it easier to eat and stay hydrated if you get sick.

If you experience diarrhea that lasts longer than two or three days, have bloody diarrhea or have a high fever, seek medical attention, Bauer said.