Is there a stomach bug going around Oklahoma? What to know about norovirus, symptoms

Jana Hayes, The Oklahoman
·2 min read
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Last spring, the country saw a spike in stomach bug cases, and it looks like that trend is repeating itself.

Cases of the norovirus have been on the rise steadily in the southern United States, which includes Oklahoma, since January. Just last week, 13.5% of all tests performed came back positive for the norovirus, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here's what you need to know if you think you have the norovirus, commonly called the "stomach flu" or "stomach bug," and how to prevent spreading the sickness.

Keep stomach bugs at bay with these tips from the CDC.
Keep stomach bugs at bay with these tips from the CDC.

Symptoms of norovirus 2024

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, symptoms of the norovirus can last one to three days and include:

  • The main symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or stomach cramping.

  • Some people may have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and/or may feel tired.

How to treat the norovirus stomach bug

Unfortunately, the CDC says there is no vaccine to prevent the norovirus or any drug to treat it. Antibiotics are ineffective because it is a virus.

The most important thing is to drink plenty of fluids to replace what's been lost and to prevent dehydration.

How is norovirus spread?

The key to fighting norovirus is by making sure everything stays nice and clean
The key to fighting norovirus is by making sure everything stays nice and clean

The virus is found in the feces or vomit of a person who is sick, and is spread through drinking water or eating food that has been contaminated.

Toys and other contaminated surfaces can also act as the source of infection.

How long is norovirus contagious?

A sick person can spread the virus from the time they become ill and for up to two or more weeks after their symptoms stop.

If norovirus is suspected, children with diarrhea should not attend daycare for 72 hours after it has stopped.

People who provide direct patient care or prepare food should not work for 72 hours after their symptoms stop, without the use of medications.

How long does norovirus live on surfaces?

3D graphical representation of a single Norovirus virion. The different colors represent different regions of the organism's outer protein shell, or capsid. 3D illustration
3D graphical representation of a single Norovirus virion. The different colors represent different regions of the organism's outer protein shell, or capsid. 3D illustration

According to the CDC, the norovirus can live on objects and surfaces for days or weeks and continue infecting people.

In order to disinfect surfaces contaminated with norovirus, the state health department recommends cleaning with soap and water and then disinfected with 1/3 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. The bleach solution should be left on surfaces for 10-20 minutes and then rinsed with clean water.

"This solution must be mixed daily to be effective," the health department said.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Norovirus 2024: How long do stomach bug symptoms last, treatment