The United States experiences approximately 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks each year, affecting various settings such as healthcare facilities, restaurants, schools, and cruise ships.
Norovirus transmission often occurs through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Most outbreaks occur in long-term care facilities, where the virus can spread quickly due to close living quarters and shared spaces. In these settings, norovirus illnesses can be severe and sometimes deadly.
Food safety is a significant concern, as norovirus is responsible for 50% of food-related illness outbreaks in the US. Restaurants and catered events are common sites for norovirus transmission, often linked to infected food workers handling ready-to-eat foods with their bare hands. Oysters harvested from contaminated water or fruit and vegetables sprayed with contaminated water can also lead to outbreaks.
Schools and childcare centers are frequently affected by norovirus outbreaks due to close quarters and shared spaces. Cruise ships, however, face unique challenges in controlling norovirus transmission, as the virus can persist on surfaces for days and is resistant to many disinfectants.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/outbreak-basics/index.html