The CDC is reporting today that a new strain of stomach virus, one that caused a recent outbreak on the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship, has impacted the U.S., with more than 140 reported outbreaks over the past few months. This stomach bug is highly contagious and causes bouts of vomiting and diarrhea.
Although this new strain is not considered particularly dangerous overall, it is just that; a new strain with moderate to severe symptoms. Consequently, some individuals may have difficulty fighting off it's effects. Children, seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems should see their healthcare provider if symptoms begin to avoid any complications from the bug. The spread of the bug, like others of it's type, is prevalent in schools, nursing homes, cruise ships and other places where large numbers of people are in close proximity to each other.
The new strain of stomach virus began to sicken people overseas. Earlier this month, research scientists suggested a link between stomach bugs and both weather conditions and storms, possibly providing the ability to predict an increase in the number of stomach illnesses by the amount of rainfall. The research was a part of a Viroclime project, which studied water borne viruses in Spain, Sweden, Greece and Brazil, to ultimately improve the tracking of viruses which eminate from human sewage in European waters. University of North Carolina virologist Mark Sobsey told Sciencedaily.com, "If we had better data which EU Viroclime can gather, and we analyse the data using a health risk-based approach, we could get better estimated disease burdens from recreational water exposures."
Take a common sense approach in dealing with this new strain.Washing your hands thoroughly and often is a good preventative measure. If you become ill, stay away from others. If your children become ill, keep them home from school. See your healthcare professional if symptoms are severe or persistent.
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