Community Corner

Norovirus Strain Spreading Across U.S.

The virus spreads easily and can cause serious vomiting and diarrhea.

A new strain of Norovirus is making its presence known in the United States.

This winter's strain of norovirus already has raged across Japan and Europe. It is believed to be the cause of at least 60 percent of the "stomach bug" cases reported in the United States so far in 2013.

According to an ABC News report, this year's strain -- also called the Sydney strain -- has resulted in 140 outbreaks in the United States since September.

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-- Have you experienced the Norovirus, or do you know anyone who has? Share your experiences in the comments below.

University of Cambridge researcher Ian Goodfellow told ABC News, "It can sweep through an environment very, very quickly. You can be feeling quite fine one minute and within several hours suffer continuous vomiting and diarrhea."

Find out what's happening in Suwaneewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Norovirus can afflict its victims with serious vomiting and diarrhea for several days. Like influenza, and as its name suggests, norovirus is a virus. Unlike influenza, however, there's no vaccine to help stave it off. Keeping hydrated and suffering through it are the only real options available.

Watch the attached video to learn more.


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