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Health Dept. Sees Major Norovirus Spike In NYC

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Dec 20, 2007 7:10 pm US/Eastern

Health Dept. Sees Major Norovirus Spike In NYC

Number Of Cases Have Nearly Doubled In Past Month

NEW YORK (CBS) ― The seasonal virus commonly known as the "stomach flu" is spreading at an alarming rate in New York City, and health officials are warning the public to take preventative measures in keeping the virus from becoming even worse.

According to the Health Department, emergency department visits for patients experiencing symptoms of norovirus have jumped from 300 visits per day to nearly 500 per day since November.

Norovirus typically becomes most prevalent during the winter months, and its most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. The illness itself usually only lasts for a few days, and can be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea,, and tiredness.

Health officials say protecting yourself from the norovirus and preventing others from getting it is fairly easy.

"The best way to stop the spread of norovirus is to wash your hands regularly with soap and stay home from work or school if you are sick," Dr. Sharon Balter, Director of Enteric Disease for the Health Department's Bureau of Communicable Disease said in a statement.

"Norovirus is common at this time of years and is not serious for most people, but it is important to take these steps to keep others from getting sick," she added.

People can be infected when they eat foods or drink liquids contaminated by the virus, or if they touch a contaminated surface and then put their hands in their mouths. It can also be spread by having close contact with someone infected.

Officials warn that if you display the symptoms of norovirus, it's best you remain home to prevent others from becoming ill. They say if someone is sick, surfaces and areas they've come in contact with should be cleaned and disinfected.

But most importantly, they want people to remember the easiest, yet seemingly most forgetful tip: wash your hands! 

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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