Is norovirus going around? Los Angeles County, here’s what to know
A highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea is likely to affect some people in Los Angeles County.
Concentrations of norovirus, sometimes called “winter vomiting disease,” detected in wastewater, have increased in the county, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in an email to USA TODAY Network on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Authorities use wastewater to monitor for the presence of infectious diseases in a community, such as norovirus, or the virus that causes COVID-19.
Detection of norovirus in wastewater in Los Angeles increased 154% during the three weeks ending Dec. 11, the county public health department said. In Los Angeles County, detection of norovirus in wastewater increased by more than 250% during the same period.
According to the public health department, Norovirus wastewater detection levels in the county are higher than levels reported during the same period last year.
“Increasing concentrations of norovirus in Los Angeles County indicate that the virus is likely spreading in Los Angeles County,” the public health department said.
Norovirus: How does it spread?
Norovirus spreads easily through direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, or touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth. That’s why county health officials encourage frequent hand washing and “thorough” washing of fruits and vegetables, especially before eating, preparing food or using the bathroom.
Although you can catch norovirus year-round, people are most likely to catch it between November and April. California Department of Public Health. However, according to one report, last year’s “norovirus season” started earlier than previous seasons. research letter From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The norovirus season in the U.S. typically begins in early December, but “the start of the season was in early October 2024,” according to the research letter.
How long does norovirus last?
Symptoms usually last one to three days, according to the California Department of Public Health. Symptoms can begin as long as 12 hours after exposure, according to the county public health department.
How long is norovirus contagious?
Research shows that you may continue to be contagious for two weeks or longer even after you feel better. CDC said.
Norovirus symptoms: Here’s what you need to pay attention to
Norovirus usually causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. But other symptoms may include fever, headache and body aches.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. reach out to him pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Norovirus ‘possibly spreading’ in LA County. very contagious
