A surge in norovirus cases has hit Minnesota, leaving many people feeling miserable with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The state’s Department of Health reported 76 outbreaks of the virus in December, more than three times the usual number for this time of year.
Noroviruses are often referred to as the “winter vomiting bug” and are the leading cause of foodborne illness in Minnesota. They cannot be prevented by fresh air or skiing, unlike other winter viruses like the flu and RSV.
The recent uptick in cases can be attributed to improved testing methods and better tracking. Clinicians can now test for a wide range of pathogens quickly, which may contribute to the increased number of reported cases. Additionally, government agencies have invested in new methods to identify causes of disease, leading to more accurate diagnoses.
Symptoms of norovirus infection usually develop 12-48 hours after exposure and can include short episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, headaches, and a low-grade fever. The illness typically resolves on its own within a couple of days.
Noroviruses spread mainly through the fecal-oral route, where infected individuals shed virus particles through their stool and vomit, contaminating food, drinks, and surfaces. People can become infected by touching or eating contaminated surfaces.
According to health experts, norovirus is highly contagious due to its ability to spread through even small amounts of contamination. In fact, a single gram of feces from an infected individual can contain 10 billion infectious doses of the virus.
To prevent outbreaks, it’s essential to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and water before preparing food or using the bathroom, and disinfecting surfaces immediately after coming into contact with vomit or diarrhea.
Source: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/01/16/norovirus-surges-in-minnesota-winter-high-number-cases