The highly contagious norovirus is spreading rapidly across the US, with a significant jump in reported outbreaks in early December, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency reported 91 outbreaks nationwide for the week of Dec. 6, up from 69 in the final week of December.
Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines, and can be spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces and food. The virus is highly contagious, requiring as few as 10 viral particles to cause illness.
According to the CDC, 19-21 million cases of norovirus occur annually, resulting in approximately 900 deaths and 109,000 hospitalizations mostly among adults aged 65 and older. Symptoms typically appear between 12-48 hours after exposure and include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headaches, and body aches.
While there is no specific treatment for norovirus, prevention measures can help reduce the risk of infection. The CDC recommends frequent handwashing, thorough cooking of shellfish and proper washing of fruits and vegetables before consumption. Additionally, surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, and laundry washed in hot water.
If you’ve been sick with norovirus, staying home for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped can help prevent further spread to others. For more information on prevention and treatment, visit the CDC website on norovirus.
Source: https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/01/norovirus-cases-on-the-rise-here-are-the-symptoms-and-how-to-prevent-catching-the-virus.html