Health Department reports a more than 250% increase in virus detection, urging public vigilance during peak outbreak season.

LOS ANGELES — Public health officials are issuing a stern warning as data reveal a dramatic spike in norovirus infections across Los Angeles County. The highly contagious stomach bug, often misleadingly called the "stomach flu," is seeing accelerated transmission as the region enters its typical peak season for outbreaks.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health utilizes wastewater surveillance to track viral circulation. Recent analytics from this monitoring show an alarming upward trend. Over a recent three-week period, norovirus concentrations detected in wastewater surged by 154% within the City of Los Angeles and by over 250% across the broader county.

"Based on past trends, Public Health expects norovirus activity to rise between November and April, when outbreaks are more common during the cooler months," the department stated.

Understanding the Norovirus Threat

Norovirus is notorious for its high transmissibility. The gastrointestinal illness spreads through multiple vectors: direct contact with an infected individual, consumption of contaminated food or water, or touching tainted surfaces and then touching one’s mouth. Just a few viral particles are enough to cause an infection.

Common symptoms include violent diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, body aches, and sometimes fever. These signs typically emerge 12 to 48 hours after exposure and, while often brief, can lead to severe dehydration, especially in young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.

Essential Prevention and Response Measures

With cases climbing, the Health Department emphasizes that rigorous hygiene is the most effective defense against the spread of this pervasive pathogen.

1. Practice Meticulous Hand Hygiene.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus and should not be relied upon alone.

2. Handle Food with Extreme Care.

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Shellfish, such as oysters, must be cooked completely. Norovirus is resistant to freezing but is killed at high temperatures; ensure food is heated to at least 60°C (140°F).

3. Disinfect Contaminated Surfaces Immediately.

If someone is sick in your household, clean and disinfect all contaminated surfaces using a bleach-based household cleaner. Immediately remove and wash any contaminated clothing or linens with hot water and detergent.

4. Isolate When Ill.

If you are infected, do not prepare food or care for others for at least three days after your symptoms completely subside. The virus can still be shed and spread during this period.

Health authorities stress that staying home when sick, rehydrating with clear fluids, and consulting a doctor for severe symptoms are critical steps for recovery and community protection. With vigilant precautions, the public can help curb this sharp uptick in norovirus activity.

Source: 

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health statement and wastewater surveillance data, as reported to ABC7 Eyewitness News.