more than 20 million cases of norovirus are reported every year across the United States
Norovirus Vaccine: In recent weeks, cases of norovirus outbreaks have been reported at a high rate across the United States. According to experts, more and more people are suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea, and other potentially dangerous symptoms associated with the virus—and so, there is a lingering question as to why there is still no vaccine to protect against these common infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC has confirmed nearly 100 norovirus cases starting in December of last year, a significant rise from the same time in 2023. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration also issued recalls warning consumers that oysters and clams would be contaminated with norovirus—an example of how the virus is surging.
On average, more than 20 million cases of norovirus are reported every year across the United States, which leads to more than 100,000 people being hospitalised—mostly older adults and children with severe symptoms. It is also estimated that the virus costs the US $2 billion annually.
However, there are a few preventative tools available to stop transmission and block severe disease but no vaccine yet. According to experts, many well-known pharmaceutical companies are working on a norovirus vaccine but there is no news of a vacc availability anytime soon.
Why is there no vaccine for norovirus yet?
According to doctors, norovirus is a highly contagious and moving target virus with complex genetic evolution that spawns and will continue to do so in various variants.
And since it evolves fast and rapidly, creating a vaccine is a big hurdle.
Also, there are various subtypes of norovirus that frequently lead to outbreaks—the reason why most people get repeat infections throughout their lives. So, it is not possible to ever develop immunity to one strain of norovirus.
Vaccines are in the making
While facing challenges, researchers say they are working on the vaccines—trying to create a perfect one to help prevent and treat the condition.
Many experimental vaccines are being tried and investigated, including a 2023 shot created by researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, which adds norovirus to an existing vaccine for rotavirus, another diarrhoea-causing pathogen. Also, many pharmaceutical companies are trying to develop a vaccine, with many presently in clinical trials.
Among the most promising is the vaccine candidate from Moderna—currently being tested in human participants, says Health.com.
How can you prevent norovirus without vaccines?
According to doctors, norovirus is highly contagious and can be difficult to stop once you become sick. This has to do with the structure of the virus itself. And so, it is important to protect yourself from getting it.
Make sure to keep healthy hygiene habits. Always wash your hands before you eat and after you go to the restroom. Also, thoroughly cook shellfish, wash your produce before eating it, clean any contaminated surfaces, and wash your laundry in hot water to lower your chances of getting sick.
Also, if you have been infected with norovirus, make sure to drink lots of fluids to prevent any kind of dehydration. However, if you or someone in your family develops symptoms of severe disease, seek emergency care immediately.
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