New Norovirus Bug, Common Flu Sweeps Nation

The virus causes nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Parents have yet another virus to watch out for—a new strain of the vomiting disease norovirus. After first being detected in Australia last March, the norovirus has reached the U.S. Last month, the bug accounted for 58% of outbreaks of norovirus nationally. Symptoms of the virus are very similar to those of the common stomach flu: nausea, forceful vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The strength of the new strain is still somewhat unknown but Aron Hall, an epidemiologist with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, says it has the potential to increase disease “because people haven’t been exposed to it before, so they’re more susceptible.”

The norovirus season typically runs from November through March, reaching a peak in January. That’s perfect timing since America is currently in the middle of a heavy flu season. Washing hands vigilantly and cleaning surfaces with diluted bleach can help reduce the risks of catching the virus. (USA Today)

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