Additional Coverage:
Norovirus Cases on the Rise Across the Nation, Doubling in Recent Months
United States – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated data indicating a concerning surge in norovirus cases across the U.S., with numbers doubling over the past few months.
According to the CDC, nearly 14% of tests for norovirus returned positive during the week ending November 15, a significant increase from approximately 7% recorded three months prior. Test positivity serves as a key metric to identify the proportion of suspected illnesses confirmed as norovirus. However, health experts caution that this measurement, like others, has its limitations as it is influenced by the volume of tests ordered.
This recent uptick follows a period of decline after December of last year saw a record-breaking norovirus rate, with close to 25% of tests coming back positive. While cases had been trending downwards since then, the latest CDC data confirms a recent resurgence.
Data from Epic Research, drawing on electronic health records, identifies Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming among the states currently experiencing the highest number of norovirus cases. Emergency department visits related to the virus have also been on the rise since July.
Norovirus is a highly contagious pathogen and the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Often colloquially referred to as the “stomach bug” or “stomach flu,” it’s important to note that norovirus is not related to influenza.
The CDC highlights norovirus as the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., accounting for 58% of such illnesses annually and responsible for approximately 25,000 outbreaks each year.
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Patients may also experience fever, headaches, and body aches.
Typically, symptoms manifest within 12 to 48 hours of infection. Fortunately, norovirus usually resolves quickly, lasting one to three days in most healthy adults, according to the CDC.
Health experts emphasize that the most effective way to prevent norovirus infection is diligent handwashing with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer alone is not sufficient against this particular virus. The CDC recommends washing hands after using the toilet or changing diapers, as well as before eating, preparing, or handling food.