Latest news with #GII.17
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Will norovirus surge early again this year? Here's what scientists say
Will the upcoming norovirus season be just as early and active as the past year? While the answer may be anyone's guess right now, federal health officials recently warned that the dominant strain of the contagious virus — the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S. — has changed between the 2022-2023 and 2024-2025 seasons. 'GII.17 has caused 75 percent of all norovirus outbreaks during the 2024–25 season so far, thereby replacing GII.4 as the predominant norovirus outbreak strain in the United States,' Centers for Disease Control researchers wrote in an article published this month by the agency's Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. This past season also started at the earlier date of October, as opposed to December. GII.17 also drove a record wave of outbreaks. But, what all of this might mean going forward needs further research. 'Additional sequence analysis of complete GII.17 genomes and identification of cross-protective neutralizing antibodies of GII.17 compared with GII.4 viruses could help clarify whether GII.17 viruses will persist. Continued surveillance is needed to determine if this genotype remains the dominant genotype, as well as whether the norovirus season continues to start earlier than previous years,' they wrote. A spokesperson for the agency told CBS News that there are 'currently insufficient historic data to predict whether norovirus GII.17 will remain the dominant genotype and lead to an earlier onset of the norovirus season later this year.' They pointed to a surge of GII.17 strains in Asia and Europe in 2014 that was followed by no reports of a change to seasonality, and noted that there has been no clear evidence to prove that GII.17's emergence was the cause of a change to the norovirus season last year. Still, this past season reached the worst levels in a decade. There were 91 suspected or confirmed outbreaks during the first week of December, which Yale Medicine said exceeded the number of outbreaks during the same week in any year since 2012. The majority were the GII.7 strain. In years when there is a new strain of the virus, there can be 50 percent more norovirus illness. Cases continued to tick up months into this year. By May 7, there were 2,571 outbreaks. During the same time last year, there were only 1,358. 'The total number of outbreaks reported during the 2024 to 2025 seasonal year is above the range reported during the same period during the 2012 to 2020 and 2021 to 2024 seasonal years,' the CDC said. Cases have fallen markedly since January, and are now at low levels. While the outbreaks occur throughout the year, they are the most common from November to April as people head indoors and it's easier to spread norovirus through infected particles. Anyone who consumes raw shellfish is also at risk of contracting it. Infection can be deadly largely among adults aged 65 and up, but anyone can get sick. Children younger than 5 years old and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections. There are 900 deaths on average each year and between 19 and 21 million illnesses. There's no specific treatment for norovirus, but most people recover with a period of up to three days. 'The norovirus can spread so quickly, but also, as we already talked about, norovirus can be very — it's usually very fast. So yeah, if people are taking care of themselves, we leave them alone,' explained Dr. Joanna Bisgrove, a family physician at Rush University Medical Center. 'But if it keeps going, we're like, maybe this isn't norovirus, and we need to do other things.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Will norovirus surge early again this year? Here's what scientists say
Will the upcoming norovirus season be just as early and active as the past year? While the answer may be anyone's guess right now, federal health officials recently warned that the dominant strain of the contagious virus — the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S. — has changed between the 2022-2023 and 2024-2025 seasons. 'GII.17 has caused 75 percent of all norovirus outbreaks during the 2024–25 season so far, thereby replacing GII.4 as the predominant norovirus outbreak strain in the United States,' Centers for Disease Control researchers wrote in an article published this month by the agency's Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. This past season also started at the earlier date of October, as opposed to December. GII.17 also drove a record wave of outbreaks. But, what all of this might mean going forward needs further research. 'Additional sequence analysis of complete GII.17 genomes and identification of cross-protective neutralizing antibodies of GII.17 compared with GII.4 viruses could help clarify whether GII.17 viruses will persist. Continued surveillance is needed to determine if this genotype remains the dominant genotype, as well as whether the norovirus season continues to start earlier than previous years,' they wrote. A spokesperson for the agency told CBS News that there are 'currently insufficient historic data to predict whether norovirus GII.17 will remain the dominant genotype and lead to an earlier onset of the norovirus season later this year.' They pointed to a surge of GII.17 strains in Asia and Europe in 2014 that was followed by no reports of a change to seasonality, and noted that there has been no clear evidence to prove that GII.17's emergence was the cause of a change to the norovirus season last year. Still, this past season reached the worst levels in a decade. There were 91 suspected or confirmed outbreaks during the first week of December, which Yale Medicine said exceeded the number of outbreaks during the same week in any year since 2012. The majority were the GII.7 strain. In years when there is a new strain of the virus, there can be 50 percent more norovirus illness. Cases continued to tick up months into this year. By May 7, there were 2,571 outbreaks. During the same time last year, there were only 1,358. 'The total number of outbreaks reported during the 2024 to 2025 seasonal year is above the range reported during the same period during the 2012 to 2020 and 2021 to 2024 seasonal years,' the CDC said. Cases have fallen markedly since January, and are now at low levels. While the outbreaks occur throughout the year, they are the most common from November to April as people head indoors and it's easier to spread norovirus through infected particles. Anyone who consumes raw shellfish is also at risk of contracting it. Infection can be deadly largely among adults aged 65 and up, but anyone can get sick. Children younger than 5 years old and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections. There are 900 deaths on average each year and between 19 and 21 million illnesses. There's no specific treatment for norovirus, but most people recover with a period of up to three days. 'The norovirus can spread so quickly, but also, as we already talked about, norovirus can be very — it's usually very fast. So yeah, if people are taking care of themselves, we leave them alone,' explained Dr. Joanna Bisgrove, a family physician at Rush University Medical Center. 'But if it keeps going, we're like, maybe this isn't norovirus, and we need to do other things.'
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Health bosses sound virus alarm as Brits told 'don't work for 48 hours'
Belford Hospital in Fort William, Scotland shut its wards to new patients and restricted visitor numbers due to the virus as anyone with symptoms urged not to visit a healthcare facility Health chiefs are warning Brits of "higher than expected" levels of norovirus tearing through the UK for this time of year. The "winter vomiting bug" is rearing its head this spring, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) after an NHS hospital had to shutter its wards last week after a surge in cases of the virus. Fort William's Belford Hospital had to refuse new patients on the ward, and restrict visitor numbers because of the virus. Anyone showing signs of symptoms, or those who live with someone who is, are being advised not to visit a healthcare facility, NHS Highland says. Though norovirus is most-known for hitting during the winter months, it can affect people all year round. It is highly contagious and is typically spread through the air, as well as on surfaces or through food. In a post on Twitter, UKHSA said: "If you catch norovirus, don't go to work or school for 48 hours after symptoms stop, as you can still pass it on during this time. Do not visit loved ones in hospital or care homes in this time to avoid causing outbreaks". The UKHSA wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "We're outside the usual #Norovirus season, but cases are still higher than expected for this time of year. Caught the 'winter vomiting bug' this spring? Find out what to do and how to stop the spread in our blog post." The UKHSA said in a blog post that 'good hand hygiene' is essential to stop the spread of norovirus. The health agency said: "To avoid catching norovirus or passing it on to others, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water. "This is most important following an episode of illness, after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food, as well as cleaning up vomit or diarrhoea." Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not effective against norovirus , the UKHSA warns. The latest UKHSA data shows that levels of norovirus have 'remained high' in recent weeks. It comes after the number of patients in hospital with norovirus reached all-time highs in February, NHS figures revealed, with rates more than double those seen the previous year. Data shows that the total number of norovirus cases between weeks 14 and 17 of 2025 was more than double (156.9 per cent) the five-season average for the same four-week period, which is used to track seasonal patterns in the virus. The number of norovirus outbreaks were also 43.3 per cent higher than the five-season average, the UKHSA said. It comes just weeks after the UKHSA warned of a possible second wave of norovirus following a shift in the circulating strains of the virus. It said in February that immunity to one strain of the virus doesn't guarantee protection against others, urging Brits to be aware that they could get sick for a second time. Data revealed a surge in cases of the GII.17 norovirus strain, while another common strain, known as GII.4, was also becoming increasingly prevalent. Symptoms of norovirus include sudden onset of nausea, projectile vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs, the UKHSA says. The UKHSA has urged Brits to remember the following if they come down with norovirus: Norovirus cannot be treated with antibiotics Vomiting and diarrhoea causes your body to lose water and salts, which can lead to dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent this Stay at home. Do not return to work or send children to school until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped and do not visit your GP or hospital while symptomatic Avoid cooking and helping to prepare meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped Wash any contaminated clothing or bedding using detergent and at 60C To disinfect contaminated surfaces, use bleach-based cleaning products where possible as norovirus can survive on surfaces for days or weeks otherwise
New York Post
09-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Don't splash out for this coveted cruise ship extra — it's a breeding ground for disease, experts warn
Cruising toward disaster? Cruise ship passengers splash out big bucks for private hot tubs in their own staterooms all the time — but the Center for Disease Control is warning against the exclusive amenity, calling them a bubbling breeding ground for Legionnaires' disease. In a damning statement reported on by Travel + Leisure, the CDC linked 12 cases of the severe pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria to private hot tubs on two cruise ships between November 2022 and June 2024. 3 In a scathing October 2024 report, the CDC connected 12 cases of Legionnaires' disease to private hot tubs on two cruise ships from November 2022 to June 2024. Photographer: Losevsky Pavel Ten passengers were hospitalized in those incidents. 'Epidemiologic, environmental, and laboratory evidence suggests that private balcony hot tubs were the likely source of exposure in two outbreaks of Legionnaires disease among cruise ship passengers,' the shocking report notes. 'These devices are subject to less stringent operating requirements than are public hot tubs, and operating protocols were insufficient to prevent Legionella growth.' Unlike public hot tubs, private hot tubs weren't required to meet certain rigorous cleaning standards, according to insiders. Hot tubs can be a source of Legionella growth and transmission when they are inadequately maintained and operated, a CDC spokesperson told T+L. 3 Private hot tubs weren't held to the same strict cleaning rules as public ones — until now. Hot tubs can be a source of Legionella when inadequately maintained, a CDC spokesperson told Travel + Leisure. serg3d 'It is important for cruise ship operators to inventory hot tub–style devices across their fleets, evaluate the design features that increase the risk for Legionella growth and transmission, and test for Legionella,' they told the outlet. For cruise-goers, the CDC advises testing the cleanliness of the hot tub before use. 'Travelers can use test strips to test hot tub water to find out if the hot tub is being properly operated,' the CDC spokesperson added. 3 Norovirus — the cruise ship scourge — is also back with a vengeance. The new GII.17 strain has driven nearly 80% of 2,400 U.S. cases since last summer, per the CDC. u4219699853 Meanwhile, Legionnaires isn't the only unwelcome guest on deck. Norovirus — a notorious cruise ship nemesis — is also making waves. This year, a new strain called GII.17 has fueled a surge in outbreaks, accounting for nearly 80% of the 2,400 reported norovirus cases in the U.S. since last summer, according to the CDC. 'It's new to the population,' Lee-Ann Jaykus, a food microbiologist and virologist at North Carolina State University, recently told the Associated Press. Most people don't have immunity to the germ, so it can spread more widely, she explained. And it spreads fast. People infected with norovirus typically shed 'literally billions of viral particles,' Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert at Rutgers University, said, per the AP. 'And it only takes a few viral particles to make someone sick,' he informed the news agency company. If you see someone vomiting, Schaffner suggests, 'immediately walk away from them, ideally into the wind.' Adding insult to injury, the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program — the watchdog that inspects cruise ships and investigates outbreaks — recently lost key staffers due to federal budget cuts. 'If you want to have no disease outbreaks, all you have to do is fire all the epidemiologists,' Schaffner quipped. 'And there'll be no one there to investigate.' So, next time you book a cruise, consider skipping the hot tub — or at least bring your own test strips and plenty of soap.
The Independent
27-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Why people are getting norovirus twice
Known for its rapid spread and stomach-churning symptoms, norovirus has long been a common culprit behind wintertime stomach bugs. However, health officials are now warning the public about the potential for a 'second norovirus wave', as reports suggest that more individuals are contracting the vomiting bug more than once. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has noted that those who've already battled the virus this winter may be at risk of reinfection due to multiple strains. To shed light on this growing concern, we spoke to a GP who has explained why people could get norovirus more than once… What is norovirus? ' Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, often referred to as the 'winter vomiting bug',' says Dr Chun Tang, GP at Pall Mall Medical. 'It spreads like wildfire, usually through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or direct contact with an infected person.' According to the NHS website, the primary symptoms include sudden nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Patients may also experience a high temperature, headaches and stomach pains. 'It usually comes on very quickly, making you feel awful for a couple of days, but most people recover without any complications,' says Tang. 'The biggest risk is dehydration, so staying hydrated is key.' Why are people getting it twice? 'Unlike some viruses, norovirus doesn't give you long-term immunity,' explains Tang. 'There are many different strains, so even if you've had it before, you can still catch a different version of it. 'Plus, any immunity you do develop is short-lived, which means you can get sick again.' The two primary norovirus strains circulating in the UK at the moment are the GII.17 genotype, which is believed to be responsible for the surge in cases this winter, and the GII.4 strain. New UKHSA data shows that while the GII.17 genotype remains dominant, accounting for 59% of cases, its prevalence has dropped from 76% since November. Meanwhile, the GII.4 strain has seen a sharp rise, now representing 29% of cases compared to just 10% three months ago. What is the difference between the GII.17 and the GII.4 strain? 'The GII.4 strain has historically been the dominant one, causing most outbreaks,' notes Tang. 'However, the GII.17 genotype has been increasing in some parts of the world, and researchers think it may behave slightly differently in terms of how our immune systems respond to it. 'The recent sharp rise in GII.4 cases suggests it may have mutated again, making it more infectious or better at evading immunity.' Who is more at risk? Children younger than five years old, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. 'This is because [these groups] struggle to stay hydrated, which is the biggest danger with norovirus,' explains Tang. 'For babies and the elderly, dehydration can lead to hospitalisation if it's not managed properly.' How contagious is it? 'Norovirus spreads through tiny particles in vomit and stool, which can linger on surfaces or even in the air after someone vomits,' highlights Tang. 'You only need a few viral particles to become infected, which is why outbreaks happen so quickly in shared spaces.' Can it be treated? 'There's no specific treatment for norovirus – it's all about resting, staying hydrated, and letting your body fight it off,' says Tang. A common misconception is that alcohol hand gels kill norovirus. 'They don't,' clarifies Tang. 'Norovirus is resistant to alcohol, so washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is the best way to prevent its spread.' Should people go to the doctors about norovirus? Most people don't need to see a doctor and can recover at home with rest and fluids. 'However, if you're struggling to keep fluids down, showing signs of severe dehydration (like dizziness, confusion, or very little urination), or have a baby or elderly person who seems particularly unwell, it's best to seek medical advice,' advises Tang. What can you do to prevent yourself from catching it? 'The best prevention is good hygiene – wash your hands properly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom or before preparing food,' recommends Tang. 'Also, avoid close contact with sick people and disinfect surfaces regularly. 'If you do get norovirus, stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop to prevent spreading it to others.'
