Jan 30, 2008 3:51 pm US/Eastern
'Norovirus' Outbreak In N.J. Sends Hundreds To ER
HAWORTH, N.J. (CBS) ―
Sick patients are flooding emergency rooms in Northern New Jersey as of late, and the majority of them are showing up with the same symptoms.
It's draining, nauseating and extremely contagious. The norovirus, commonly known as the "stomach flu", has taken a stronghold of a large portion of the Garden State. Hospital officials have reported the highest numbers of infected patients in years.
"It's hitting us hard, that's for sure," said Bud Garlasco of Haworth.
"We have had large number of patients come into the emergency department starting this past Friday with just this kind of syndrome," said Dr. Thomas Birch, chairman of infectious diseases at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck.
Birch noticed a large number of sick individuals showing up in the emergency room with similar symptoms: nausea, diarrhea, body aches and pains.
"Typically they become acutely ill. They're nauseous, then they start dramatic vomiting and sometimes abdominal cramping, sometimes fever, most of the time no fever," Birch told CBS 2 HD.
Because the norovirus is so contagious, health experts told CBS 2 HD the safest thing to do is use hand sanitizer and continuously wash your hands.
"I was very concerned about getting it myself and planning on getting a flu shot in the next day or two," said Bud Garlasco of Haworth.
Garlasco's wife was sick with the virus for 6 days and Barry Hazel of Woodbridge was sick for 2 days last week.
Hazel described an overwhelmingly uncomfortable feeling deep in his stomach, like "knots," he said.
Unfortunately there is no medication or cure for the illness, but experts advise staying as hydrated as possible. The worst of the symptoms usually only lasts about 48 hours. In cases of severe dehydration, doctors say people need to seek professional medical help immediately so fluids can be replaced through an IV.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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