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Norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug known for spreading on cruise ships, appears to be spiking on dry land in Central Florida. The virus usually increases during winter and dies down around this time along with a host of other infectious diseases, but this year it looks to be sticking around, said Dr. Timothy Hendrix, medical director of AdventHealth Centra Care, the region's largest network of urgent care centers. "Usually, we'll see some decline in the numbers of people coming in with these intestinal infections as we get into the spring," Hendrix said. "But it's sustaining this year." Hendrix said Centra Care does not test for the virus specifically but saw a 25% increase this April in symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea compared with the same time last year. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's NoroSTAT surveillance program shows norovirus outbreaks peaked nationwide in February but have been heading down since then. However, Florida data is not included in that tally. The virus thrives in environments like cruise ships with shared eating spaces and tight quarters. CDC reports indicate there have been five outbreaks on cruises this year. In one April voyage from Tampa, 67 of 1,993 passengers got ill, as did two crew members. Hendrix said it's unclear exactly why cases appear to be so high right now in Central Florida. The virus spreads easily through contaminated surfaces and food, according to the CDC. The best way to protect yourselves is simple: wash your hands, Hendrix said. He also recommended isolating from others if you are having symptoms of nausea, diarrhea or stomach upset. Most of the time, the virus will go away on its own. "The key is to stay hydrated. Most of the time this will pass in a day," he said. People unable to keep any liquids down, or who have blood in their stool, fever, abdominal pain or symptoms that last more than several days may have a more serious condition and should seek medical attention, he said. Ccatherman@orlandosentinel.com
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