Highly Contagious Norovirus Spreading Rapidly In IL: What To Know
Patch••health
Key Points:
- A highly contagious norovirus strain known as "winter vomiting disease" is spreading across the U.S., including Illinois, with wastewater analysis showing an increase since mid-October.
- Norovirus cases usually spike after holiday gatherings, but November data already indicates a notable rise, raising concerns about a potentially severe post-holiday surge.
- The GII.17 variant, responsible for last year’s outbreaks, may have mutated to become more contagious, and people have less immunity to this newer strain, leading to more severe symptoms.
- Symptoms include forceful vomiting, intense diarrhea, and stomach cramps, posing significant risks of dehydration, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health issues.
- Health experts emphasize rigorous hand-w
