Flu cases spike in Butler County while norovirus stays off the radar

Cases of norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug, are surging in parts of the United States this winter, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Butler County doesn’t seem to have seen the same surge, although flu cases increased in December.

According to Butler County Health Department Communicable Disease Specialist Holly Kelly, incidents of norovirus aren’t reported to the health department. But, of the illnesses that are reported to the Butler County Health Department, only a few have been stomach-related illnesses.

“There have been a few gastro-intestinal illnesses reported,” Kelly remarked. “But none of those cases were norovirus.”

Kelly provided data that reflects the number of GI illnesses being low: three in October as well as November, and eight cases in December.

“It really is difficult to say, as far as norovirus is concerned,” Kelly noted. “We just can’t know that if we don’t track it.”

Likewise, PBRMC has no recorded instances of norovirus at this time. However, it should be noted the CDC says cases of norovirus are under-reported.

According to Kelly, December did see a significant jump in cases of Influenza A. Health department records show two reported cases in October, zero cases in November, and 54 cases in December. Including the numbers for Influenza B, there were a total of 60 reported cases of the flu in December. PBRMC confirmed they have seen an approximate 40% increase in flu activity.

The CDC reported 91 norovirus outbreaks nationally during the week of Dec. 5, a significant increase from the 69 outbreaks reported the last week of November. This surpasses the maximum of 65 outbreaks typically reported during the first week of December in previous years.

Stopping the spread

Norovirus is the leading cause of food-borne illness in the United States, accounting for 58% of domestically acquired infections annually. The virus spreads easily, with as few as 10 viral particles capable of causing illness.

Symptoms of norovirus include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, body aches, headache, and fever. The virus is particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, as dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea can be severe.

According to the CDC influenza symptoms can come on suddenly and can include: fever, cough, sudden sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.

Most outbreaks of both norovirus and influenza occur through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated food or water, or touching contaminated surfaces. Common settings for outbreaks include cruise ships, nursing homes, schools, and other crowded places.

Kelly advises following CDC directions for frequent hand-washing with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food, to help prevent the spread of norovirus and influenza. If you suspect you have norovirus or influenza, it’s important to avoid contact with others to prevent further spread.