West Michigan doctor prepares to deal with a rise in Norovirus cases – WWMT-TV
Now 22 Mon 26 Tue 27by Tylor Brummett | News Channel 3New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests more people are getting sick from Norovirus. (File/WWMT)TOPICS:KALAMAZOO, Mich. — New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests more people are getting sick from Norovirus.The numbers from December are expected to increase, according to Dr. Richard Van Enk, director of infection, prevention and epidemiology for Bronson Healthcare.”It happens every year about this time,” Dr. Van Enk said. “It’s a little bit early, but this is a normal time. It looks like at this point, it’s a higher year than normal.”There were at least 91 reported outbreaks nationwide the week of December 5, according to the CDC. That’s an increase of 69 from the same week in 2023.However, the number is potentially higher because there’s no way of testing, Dr. Van Enk said.”We don’t have exact counts on that,” Dr. Van Enk said. “Some of the diseases that we track, we report by case this is not one of them.”Dr. Van Enk tells News Channel 3 that he’s seen several cases of the infection in West Michigan.Norovirus is a very contagious virus, according to medical professionals. The illness can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. Patients normally have symptoms for 24 to 48 hours.”One of the things that we would like people to know is to stay home,” Dr. Van Enk said. “Don’t go to parties. Don’t be around people, just stay home and get over it. “Dr. Van Enk also expects a rise in COVID-19 and flu cases. He’s encouraging people to get vaccinated to help the impact of these illnesses.
