Norovirus Outbreaks Surge Across the U.S., Prompting Health Warnings
The United States is currently facing unprecedented outbreaks of norovirus, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting record levels of the highly contagious virus this December. During the week ending December 5, 2024, there were 91 norovirus outbreaks across 14 states, marking a 32% increase from the previous week and more than double the number of outbreaks recorded during the same week over the last three years. This surge has led health experts to warn of the potential risks and the importance of preventive measures.
Norovirus, often referred to as the 'stomach flu' or 'stomach bug,' is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. It’s especially virulent during the winter months, which are typically the peak season for outbreaks. "It's also called the winter vomiting disease, which emphasizes the seasonality of norovirus; it can occur during the summer, but it really does increase in the winter," said Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
According to the CDC, norovirus leads to approximately 19 to 21 million illnesses annually, causing 109,000 hospitalizations and around 900 deaths each year. Symptoms usually manifest 12 to 48 hours after exposure and include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, which can lead to dehydration, particularly among young children and older adults.
Recent reports have linked the current outbreak to the emergence of new strains of the virus. Lynn Roberts, epidemiologist for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, remarked, "We’ve had the same kind of dominant strain throughout the country for about 10 years or so, and this year, we have a new one on the scene that's taking over." This raises concern as most individuals lack immunity to this new variant, which may result in more severe symptoms.
Outbreaks are frequently reported at events where people gather closely together, such as schools, daycare centers, hospitals, and cruise ships. Notably, during the recent holiday season, the virus spread rapidly through gatherings, highlighting the need for increased vigilance, especially at celebrations and community events. The CDC notes, "Norovirus is highly contagious and is spread through direct contact with someone who is sick, or by consuming contaminated food and liquids."
Symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can occur frequently, with many experiencing these effects multiple times within just one day. Dehydration can be particularly hazardous during outbreaks, and families are reminded to monitor for symptoms such as decreased urination, dry mouth, or unusual sleepiness or fussiness among children.
Efforts to combat the spread of norovirus have emphasized the importance of hand hygiene. "There’s one thingthat works really well against norovirus, which is handwashing with soap,” notes Dr. Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner from UTHealth Houston. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less effective against this virus, making thorough handwashing with soap and water the recommended preventive measure. Health authorities stress the necessity of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, especially during outbreaks.
Despite the spikes in outbreaks, there are guides available for families to manage symptoms and prevent the illness from spreading. When afflicted, individuals are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, as there is no specific antiviral treatment for norovirus. If someone contracts norovirus, they should avoid close contact with others, particularly vulnerable populations like young children and seniors.
Looking at the trends, the CDC has seen the highest levels of norovirus activity since 2012, making this surge particularly notable. "This year, the number of reported norovirus outbreaks has exceeded the numbers we've seen recently and the years before the pandemic," remarked CDC spokesperson.
With the holiday season behind us and winter firmly established, health officials nationwide are bracing for what might come next. They continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to follow health guidelines to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from this highly contagious virus.
Norovirus remains unpredictable, infecting millions every year. Continued public education about the risks and prevention of this virus is key to curbing its spread. It’s imperative for everyone, especially those tasked with food handling or caring for the vulnerable, to adhere to proper hygiene practices as we navigate this challenging health crisis.