According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis among people of all ages in the United States. CDC stats indicate that each year in the U.S., norovirus causes on average 900 deaths, mostly among adults aged 65 and older; 109,000 hospitalizations; 465,000 emergency room visits, mostly among children; 2.27 million outpatient clinic visits; and 19-21 million illnesses.
In a recent publication from the CDC, this winter’s wave of norovirus infections doubled last season’s peak, meaning New Mexicans are still at high risk until the wave subsides later in the spring.
So, what is norovirus, and how can you protect yourself and your family? Click through the slides below from the @unmhsc Instagram page to learn more.
Other Illnesses to Watch Out For
Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID are still cycling through our communities this winter season as well.
According to TriCore Infectious Disease Dashboard, RSV cases are on the rise this week, and flu and COVID cases are on a downward trend.
Click here for more information on vaccines, test kits, and preventing the spread of all the respiratory sicknesses in the air right now.