The authority's monitoring of the virus shows that the epidemic is underway and that the spread of infection has gained momentum in society. Cases can occur throughout the year, but the major spread usually takes place between November and April.
"How extensive the spread will be this season is still unclear. Last season, more cases were reported than the year before. The most intense weeks occurred in February, compared to April the previous season," says Assistant State Epidemiologist Erik Sturegård, according to a press release.
Calicivirus is the cause of winter vomiting disease, which can affect all ages.
Winter vomiting disease is caused by calicivirus, which is highly infectious. An infected person can excrete large amounts of virus in feces and through vomiting. The virus can survive for a long time in the environment and infect from, for example, textiles.
The incubation period is 12-48 hours. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and fever.
The virus can spread in different ways: through direct or indirect contact with infected people, through food handled and contaminated by a person who is or has recently been ill.
Source: The Public Health Agency
