Norovirus cases on the rise in Austin, doctor says
AUSTIN - Norovirus cases are on the rise across the United States, and locally one doctor says he’s seeing the same uptick here in Austin.
"I know for a fact that Norovirus is in our community because I see patients who are most likely affected by it," said Dr. Kevin Smith, Emergency Physician at St. David’s Children’s Hospital. "I think that with this time of year, there are definitely an increased number of Norovirus cases."
Norovirus, while commonly referred to as the stomach flu, is not related to the flu, according to the CDC.
It's the leading cause of food-borne illness in the United States.
READ MORE: Norovirus outbreak: How to protect yourself from the ‘winter vomiting bug’
The Centers for Disease Control reported that Norovirus cases last month were more than double the number seen in the previous years.
" When people contract Norovirus, they typically have about 1 to 2 days between when they consume contaminated food or come in contact with someone who is already infected with the virus," said Dr. Smith.
An electron micrograph shows the norovirus. (Photo By BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images)
According to the CDC, each year there are about 2,500 reported Norovirus outbreaks in the United States.
Dr. Smith says the virus is transmitted between people and food and can cause an upset stomach, and it’s extremely contagious.
"It takes only very, very small amounts of the virus to infect other people and so that's part of why it can really run rampant in, you know, close communities, things like cruise ships, nursing homes, things like that," said Dr. Smith.
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As for who is most at risk, people of all ages can get infected with Norovirus, but Dr. Smith says people at the extremes of age can be most impacted.
He says if you’ve tried to weather the storm unsuccessfully at home, come in and see a doctor.
"You've tried managing your nausea at home. You've tried to stay hydrated and you're still not making urine, you're still not peeing, you know, at all in the course of a day, in which case, I want you to come to the ER Because at that point, you need IV fluids," said Dr. Smith.
Dr. Smith says unlike most viruses, hand sanitizer won’t kill Norovirus, but there are things people can do to prevent it.
"Washing your hands after you go to the bathroom every time and washing your hands after being out in the community, I think is the best way you can prevent it," said Dr. Smith.
To stay up to date on current Norovirus outbreaks visit the CDC’s website.