Colorado public well being specialists are urging consciousness of norovirus signs, saying infections are surging with instances of the seasonal respiratory sickness.
The virus primarily impacts the digestive system — inflicting nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting — and could be transmitted by touching or consuming meals ready by an contaminated individual. Severe infections could cause dehydration and different well being issues.
Norovirus has been reported repeatedly in Colorado and different states because the finish of the COVID-19 pandemic, stated Ned Calonge, chief medical officer for the Colorado Division of Public Well being and Atmosphere.
“Throughout COVID, we did not see lots of outbreaks as a result of individuals weren’t going out,” he stated. “Shifting ahead, is there a brand new pressure that transmits extra simply? We have no info on that. Or have we actually been lax available hygiene and hand washing since we have come out of the pandemic?”
Earlier than 2020, the state noticed about 160 to 165 outbreaks yearly, Calong stated. This quantity fell to 39 in 2020 however has since risen, with 338 outbreaks reported in 2024.
The company primarily receives experiences of outbreaks from colleges, youngster care amenities and nursing houses, the place it has additionally expanded public well being surveillance efforts.
On the identical time, the state is coping with a seasonal spike in respiratory diseases, together with influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. By the top of final week, 246 hospitalizations involving influenza diagnoses have been reported in addition to 101 COVID-19 diagnoses and 113 respiratory syncytial virus diagnoses, based on CDPHE.
The Denver Division of Public Well being and Atmosphere additionally wrote concerning the rising variety of norovirus outbreaks in a weblog put up final week, urging individuals to remain hydrated and wash their arms usually with cleaning soap and water for not less than 20 seconds if they’re experiencing norovirus signs.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are much less efficient in opposition to norovirus than different viruses, stated Calonge and Leslie Warren of the Denver Division of Public Well being and Atmosphere. Diluted bleach can be utilized to disinfect surfaces touched by an contaminated individual.
“It is all about washing arms with cleaning soap and water as often as doable, particularly earlier than dealing with meals,” Warren stated. “It is prime norovirus season now. It is a seasonal bug, and it travels with respiratory viruses.
She stated Denver investigated 54 suspected and confirmed norovirus outbreaks in 2024, and that the variety of outbreaks has elevated because the pandemic and post-pandemic durations, with 20 outbreaks investigated in 2022.
Warren suggested individuals with norovirus signs to remain residence for not less than 24 to 48 hours after signs subside, particularly meals service workers and individuals who work in youngster care. Washing vegatables and fruits and cooking shellfish effectively also can forestall the unfold of the virus.
Extra details about the virus is offered on the DDPHE web site.
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