Norovirus Is Again With a Vengeance

The winter is usually synonymous with chilly and flu season. Sadly, these germs aren’t the one ones spreading extensively round this time of yr. So gird your stomachs and keep looking out for the dreaded norovirus, as a result of it would quickly be working rampant.

Based on the latest surveillance data from the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, circumstances of norovirus are seemingly surging within the U.S. Simply final week, about 14% of lab exams got here again constructive for norovirus, double the speed three months earlier, whereas a number of states at the moment are experiencing comparatively excessive case numbers. These early indicators counsel that the U.S. will expertise a harsh norovirus winter for the second yr in a row.

Abdomen flu on the rise

Although norovirus is usually related to cruise ships, it’s a ubiquitous and extremely contagious foodborne germ. And it’s been on the rise as of late.

Between August 2024 and July 2025, as an illustration, the CDC documented not less than 2,675 outbreaks within the U.S., virtually double the quantity reported in the identical interval the earlier yr (1,478). Extra lately, the tempo of outbreaks within the fall seemed to settle again down. However norovirus is particularly prevalent through the winter, as extra individuals spend time indoors, and the early knowledge isn’t trying good for a reprieve.

The 14% check positivity price this mid-November is correct across the identical price noticed throughout the identical time interval final yr. In December 2024, the nation experienced a record-breaking surge of norovirus, with a peak testing price of almost 25%. Based on Epic Analysis’s data tracker, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Oklahoma are at present experiencing the best variety of reported norovirus circumstances.

What to do about noro

In fact, it’s no assure that norovirus this winter will attain or surpass the height seen final yr. However even a comparatively delicate season will result in loads of gastrointestinal misery. Yearly, norovirus causes about 20 million circumstances of vomiting and diarrhea within the U.S. And although it’s hardly ever deadly, the sickness nonetheless sends roughly 100,000 Individuals to the hospital yearly.

Given all that, it’s all the time prudent to do what you can to cut back your threat of catching and spreading the abdomen flu to others.

You must all the time wash vegetables and fruit and cook dinner your shellfish completely, as an illustration. You also needs to clear your kitchen utensils, chopping boards, and surfaces, particularly after getting ready shellfish. And it’s best to completely wash your palms after dealing with raw meals, since norovirus or different foodborne germs may very well be transmitted by your palms inadvertently touching your mouth later.

And should you’re feeling queasy, it’s best to keep away from direct contact with individuals if attainable and persistently wash your palms with cleaning soap and water (hand sanitizer is not going to work in opposition to norovirus).

All that could be simpler stated than accomplished with Thanksgiving and the vacations coming proper up. However as anybody who’s had norovirus can attest, it’s an expertise that it’s best to attempt to keep away from as a lot as attainable. Talking personally, I’m crossing my fingers that scientists finally figure out methods to make an efficient norovirus vaccine sooner moderately than later.