NEW YORK — Cases of norovirus are surging in some parts of the U.S., including in the New York metropolitan area.
In New York City alone, there were nearly 1,300 cases in December. That’s almost triple the number during same time in 2023.
Doctors say there is no antiviral treatment for a norovirus infection, which is highly contagious. It can stay on counters for weeks and sanitizers are not strong enough. Just a few viral particles can transmit the infection.
Norovirus symptoms
Symptoms of norovirus can come on quickly after exposure, including vomiting and diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain, body aches, headache and fever.
“The symptoms are not specific, however can be quite severe. People feel quite unwell,” said Dr. Roy Gulick of NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
The biggest complication can be dehydration, especially in children under 2 or over 75.
“The key is to stay hydrated, so especially little infants. The elderly may have trouble keeping up with that so that is the key to treating them,” said CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder.