There is no specific treatment Increased cases of norovirus infection in the United States

Data issued by American centers active in disease control revealed an increase in the rates of norovirus infection, which is classified as the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis.

CNN reported that CDC data showed that in the week ending February 17, more than 12% of norovirus tests came back positive.

The data indicated that “cases are particularly high in the northeast of the country, where more than 13% of tests came back positive.”

The data indicated that "these levels are lower than they were at the same time last season, as about 15% of tests were positive, nationwide."

Norovirus outbreaks are most common in late fall, winter, and early spring.

According to the CDC, norovirus infects between 19 million and 21 million cases each year, especially in crowded environments such as nursing homes, care centers and cruise ships.

The center stated that norovirus infection can spread when a person comes into direct contact with an infected person, or when he eats food or liquids contaminated with the virus, or touches contaminated surfaces, and then puts his fingers in his mouth. 

The CDC warns that “an infected person can spread norovirus two or more weeks after symptoms disappear.”

The center notes that “the most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.”

The American Network explained that there is no specific treatment for norovirus infection, and it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and to prevent the disease. It is also recommended to wash hands, fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters well.

Last January, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning against the sale and consumption of some oysters from California and Mexico due to their possible contamination with norovirus.

In December, more than 200 suspected norovirus cases were linked to a sushi restaurant in North Carolina.

A new way of juicing apples may enhance their health benefits

A team of scientists has discovered a new method for squeezing apple fruits that may enhance their health benefits while retaining higher proportions of their polyphenol content.

Polyphenols are known as natural plant compounds found in fruits and cocoa, and they act as antioxidants that may benefit the heart and brain and protect against diseases.

Previous research revealed that one group of polyphenols, called flavan-3-ols, may help improve blood pressure, cholesterol concentration, and blood sugar.

Scientists were able to condense the content of these compounds using a “screw filter press” that extracts oxygen, which contributes to reducing the loss of nutrients.

Researcher Stefan Duesling told the International Research Journal: “The loss of nutrients usually occurs due to the presence of oxygen, which leads to the rapid decomposition of some of them in apple juice, such as flavan-3 oles or vitamin C.”

He added: "We hope to use the new juicing method on a larger scale in the future to help people get more of these beneficial natural compounds just by drinking one cup of juice."