Norovirus Becomes a Leading Cause of Gut Infection Death

Gastrointestinal infections are taking an increasing number human’s lives, according to a New York Times article this week. Deaths related to the infections rose from 7,000 in 1999 to 17,000 in 2007, the Times said.

The article said that the most lethal gut infection is caused by Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that spreads easily in hospital and nursing homes.

The second biggest cause of gastrointestinal infection-related death is caused by norovirus, which causes stomach flu-like symptoms.

Hercules-Middle High School students suffered an of norovirus symptoms in early January. About two dozen students got sick. Many initially suspected a chicken sandwich school lunch to have caused the illness, but Contra Costa County Public Health officials later said a norovirus had spread around campus.

The virus is highly contagious. It is generally caused when people swallow germs from feces that are commonly spread by people who did not wash their hands after bathroom use.

No vaccine is available for the norovirus, but researchers are trying to find a cure, the Times said.