The virus that causes the ‘stomach flu’ or ‘winter vomiting disease’ is causing more trouble this winter in the US. In just 7 days, the CDC reported 91 cases of norovirus on December 5. Last year, there were only 2 cases during the same week when many were avoiding the coronavirus. The increase in cases is happening in different areas, with over 40 cases in Minnesota alone.
Health officials are urging people to be careful during holiday gatherings to prevent the spread of norovirus. The virus causes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever for about one to three days. It spreads easily through direct contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.
To avoid getting sick, wash your hands often and clean surfaces regularly. If you do get sick, stay home for two days after symptoms go away. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. The CDC recommends using a bleach solution to disinfect areas that may have come into contact with bodily fluids to prevent further spread.
Vocabulary List:
- Norovirus /ˈnoʊroʊˌvaɪrəs/ (noun): A highly contagious virus that causes gastrointestinal illness.
- Contaminated /kənˈtæmɪneɪtɪd/ (adjective): Made unclean or impure by contact with something harmful.
- Symptoms /ˈsɪmptəmz/ (noun): Physical signs or indications of a disease or condition.
- Hydrated /haɪˈdreɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having adequate water content in the body.
- Disinfect /ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛkt/ (verb): To clean something in order to destroy any bacteria or viruses.
- Urging /ˈɜːrdʒɪŋ/ (verb): Encouraging or persuading someone to take action.