Norovirus Cases Are Surging Right Now

There’s one potential party guest you’ll definitely want to steer clear of this New Year’s Eve: norovirus. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that norovirus outbreaks are being reported across the United States.

According to the CDC Latest WatchThe first week of December saw 91 norovirus outbreaks reported nationally, a significant increase from the previous week. The data provides only a limited snapshot of how widespread norovirus really is in the U.S. right now, but 2024 was a particularly bad year to get sick with the stomach bug.

Although norovirus is often associated with cruise ships, it is a potent source of gastrointestinal distress everywhere. The virus is highly contagious Major causes of foodborne illness In the United States, people are usually confined to their beds and to the toilet with diarrhea, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms that last up to three days. Although the cases are rarely fatal, about 100,000 Americans are hospitalized annually as a result.

Like many other diseases, norovirus took a bit of a hiatus in the early years of the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to increased social distancing. As people’s lives and social habits have largely returned to normal, norovirus and other germs have developed An unexpected comeback. But 2024 has been an outlier compared to the general trends.

According to the CDCBetween August and December of this year, 495 norovirus outbreaks were reported in the United States, up from 363 norovirus outbreaks reported in the same month in 2023. Norovirus cases can occur at any time, but the disease peaks between November and April in the United States and reported outbreaks so far this season exceed the range observed during the same period in the most recent season, 2012.

These reports are only part of the picture. CDC’s surveillance system includes outbreaks reported by health departments in only 14 states (a full list can be viewed at here) and most cases of norovirus commonly go unreported, since people usually wait for their symptoms to occur without seeking medical attention. So out of outbreaks clearly trace back to a specific food source (e.g. recent Outbreaks involving some oystersIt’s hard to say when and where norovirus is currently hitting.

Another important factor is our limited immunity to norovirus. Different types of disease-causing noroviruses circulate at any given time, and being recently infected with one strain may not protect you from others. Our immunity to a particular strain also wanes over time, presumably Lasts for several months For some unlucky people.

people can take action To reduce the risk of spreading and catching norovirus. If you are currently or have recently experienced vomiting and diarrhea, for example, you should avoid direct contact with people if possible and wash your hands consistently with soap and water. You should not use hand sanitizer instead, since the physical structure of the virus makes it resistant to alcohol. And avoid preparing food for others for a while even after you feel better, since the virus can be passed on in the stool for two weeks or more.

While it can be difficult to repel a party pooper by ignoring these tips, you can reduce your risk of catching norovirus from food. You should always wash fruits and vegetables and cook your shellfish thoroughly. You should clean your kitchen utensils, cutting boards and surfaces regularly, especially after preparing shellfish. And wash your hands thoroughly after handling cooked food, as norovirus or other food-borne germs can spread if your hands inadvertently touch your face.

Scientists and pharmaceutical companies are working on a norovirus vaccine, with some on the way Late stage clinical trials. So with any luck, the norovirus nightmare will one day be a distant memory.