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Norovirus cases are surging across the United States this winter, with 91 outbreaks reported by state health departments in the week of Dec. 5 alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This number is up from the 69 outbreaks in the last week of November. During the same time period over the previous several seasons, the highest number was 65.
Each year, about 2,500 norovirus outbreaks are reported in the United States, mostly from November to April.
Moreover, 495 outbreaks were reported from Aug. 1-Dec. 11, 2024, by the 15 states participating in the CDC’s NoroSTAT network. There were 363 outbreaks reported during the same time last year.
However, this data may not be comprehensive, as health departments are not required to report individual norovirus cases, and doctor’s offices typically don’t test for the virus. Additionally, many who are infected may not seek treatment.
What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the stomach or intestines. Although it’s sometimes called the “stomach flu,” the norovirus illness is not related to the influenza virus. A person infected with norovirus usually experiences symptoms within 12 to 48 hours. Common symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Body aches
- Headache
The illness may subside within one to three days, but the virus can continue to spread for days after.
Anyone can be infected by norovirus and get sick from it; however, children under 5 years old, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe infection. Norovirus is spread through direct contact with someone who is infected or contaminated surfaces and food.
Prevention and More Information
The CDC says that frequent hand washing with soap and water is the best way to prevent norovirus; hand sanitizer does not work well against it. The agency also recommends thoroughly cooking food, especially shellfish, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces.
The CDC will continue to monitor norovirus activity. For more information on norovirus and to learn about current alerts and advisories, visit the CDC website.