Norovirus is on the rise in California, officials say

California health officials say that “winter vomiting disease” is on the rise this season, with 32 confirmed cases of the disease seen since October 1, the LA Times reports.
In comparison, only nine cases had been reported by this time last year.
A highly contagious pathogen, the winter vomiting disease, or “norovirus”, causes vomiting as well as other related symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea, according to the source.
Stay clean everyone
Officials say that the spread of the virus can be easily prevented in the same way as most pathogens—washing your hands.
“One of the most important things you can do to avoid norovirus and other illnesses this holiday season is to wash your hands frequently with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds,” says Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health and a state public health officer. “This is especially important after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.”
She also warns that hand sanitizer isn’t effective at killing the norovirus.
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University’s School of Medicine, says that the virus enters the body, latches onto mucosal cells lining the digestive system, and renders them unable to absorb needed fluids, causing diarrhea.
The LA Times reports that nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and schools are the most affected by the disease, which displays symptoms that begin within 12 to 48 hours of exposure to the virus and that last for as much as three days.
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