Vomiting Virus Could Be Deadly As CDC Warns Its Wide Spread

The Vomiting Virus or the new Stomach Bug from the Norovirus Strain GII.4 Sydney, is now an outbreak. Between September and December 2012, the proportion of norovirus outbreaks caused by the new strain increased from 19 percent to 58 percent, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.

Norovirus outbreaks usually emerge during the cold season, peaking in the month of January. The current strain of norovirus was first detected in Australia last March.

Here is a scientific paper published in Eurosurveillance on January 3 that described a new variant of norovirus (genotype G11 – 4) called Sydney 2012.

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As part of its surveillance for norovirus the Health Protection Agency (HPA) carries out genetic testing of norovirus strains from cases in England and Wales.

Testing carried out when cases started to rise in October revealed a cocktail of different strains that were circulating including Sydney 2012 and another called New Orleans 2009, although no one strain was dominant.

The latest testing of the most recent outbreaks, completed this week, has now shown that Sydney 2012 has overtaken all others to become the dominant strain.

Syndey 2012 was first seen in Australia (and takes its name from the place it was first identified) and has also been seen in France, New Zealand and Japan.

This new strain does not cause more serious illness than others and the methods of managing cases and outbreaks are the same for any strain of norovirus. These measures include washing the hands thoroughly and regularly particularly after using the toilet and before eating.

Dr David Brown, Director of Virology Reference Department at the HPA said, “It is always difficult to predict the norovirus season and this year is no different.

“Noroviruses mutate rapidly and new strains are constantly emerging. At the start of the season it is normal for outbreaks to be caused by a range of different strains. However as the season progresses particular strains are more successful and become dominant. The emergence of a new strain does not mean that it causes more serious illness and managing outbreaks and those will the illness remains the same.

“There is no specific treatment for norovirus infection other than to let the illness take its course, with symptoms usually lasting around two days. Keeping hydrated is very important and you can take over-the-counter medicines to relieve headaches and aches and pains.”
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Since the Norovirus is contagious, CDC suggests ways to prevent norovirus infections, such as hand washing with soap and water; disinfecting surfaces; rinsing fruits and vegetables; cooking shellfish thoroughly; and not preparing food or caring for others while ill.

Young children and the elderly are at highest risk for severe illness, the CDC said.