Nasty Stomach Bug Returns To NJ: Here’s What To Know

With the fall leaves and cool breeze returning to New Jersey comes a virus that could have your whole family fighting over the bathroom in less than 24 hours.

The norovirus, better known as the “stomach bug” or “stomach flu,” is once again sweeping the state, according to the NJ Department of Health (DOH).

According to NJ health experts, outbreaks have popped up earlier than usual this year, as the norovirus is most frequently reported in late fall, winter, and early spring.

Annually, the norovirus kills about 900 people — mostly adults 65 or older — and causes 109,000 hospitalizations, 465,000 emergency department visits, and 2.7 million outpatient clinic visits each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms

Norovirus can cause severe gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, according to the NJ Department of Health.

Gastroenteritis can manifest itself through symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting (which can lead to dehydration), and stomach pain, experts say. Some infected people also may experience fevers, headaches, and body aches.

What makes the illness so alarming to health experts is that it is highly contagious with a short incubation period. Officials say that some people can experience symptoms as early as 10 to 12 hours after exposure to the virus.

The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, eating/handling contaminated food (especially shellfish), and touching contaminated surfaces, officials warn. According to experts, the norovirus can remain on surfaces for hours, and sometimes days.

“Outbreaks may occur in places where people consume water and/or food prepared or handled by others, such as nursing homes, hospitals, restaurants, cruise ships, banquet halls, summer camps, and family dinners,” an NJ DOH statement read.

Prevention

Experts say the best way to prevent norovirus is to wash your hands with soap often and thoroughly. This is especially important when handling food, changing diapers, or caring for an infected person. Officials add that using hand sanitizer is significantly less effective than washing your hands when combating norovirus.

See prevention methods, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Wash your hands well and often.
• Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
• Wash laundry in hot water.

If you contract norovirus, you should do your best to avoid contact with healthy people to help contain it. The CDC specifically asks infected people to steer clear of immunocompromised people, including seniors and children under five years old.

Additionally, experts ask that infected people continue to isolate and practice preventive measures two days after they feel better, as the virus can still be transmitted even after symptoms disappear.

These preventative measures are especially important for people who work in restaurants, schools, daycares, long-term care facilities, or “other places where you may expose people to norovirus,” the CDC says.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment or cure for the norovirus, and officials remind residents that antibiotics will not help norovirus symptoms, as it’s not a bacterial infection.

Health experts recommend plenty of rest and consuming plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting. Water, juices, and electrolytes are encouraged, but sick people should avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.

Infected people should also avoid food that may trigger symptoms, sticking to “bland” foods like toast, rice, and bananas until symptoms improve, experts say.

The virus typically lasts one to three days, according to officials.

Health officials say patients should seek medical attention when experiencing the following:

• Severe dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urination)
• Blood in your vomit or stool
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea (more than three days)
• High fever (over 101°F)
• Severe abdominal pain

To learn more about norovirus, visit the CDC’s website here.