A recent surge in norovirus outbreaks has been detected across the United States, with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealing a significant spike in cases.
According to CDC reports, 91 norovirus outbreaks were reported for the week ending December 5, exceeding the average of 41 previously seen. This is the highest number recorded since the start of data collection.
The CDC’s National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System also shows that 22% of norovirus tests came back positive during this time period, significantly higher than recent years.
Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, causes sudden gastrointestinal symptoms and is responsible for an estimated 19-21 million illnesses annually. It’s the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea in the US and often affects foodborne illness outbreaks.
Outbreaks can occur at any time but tend to peak from November to April. Cruise ships are particularly susceptible to norovirus, with 16 reported outbreaks in 2024, including five in December that affected 890 people.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/norovirus/us-norovirus-outbreaks-are-cdc-data-show