The United States is facing its worst norovirus outbreak in a decade, with health officials warning of a surge in cases of the highly contagious “stomach flu.”
At a Glance
- Norovirus outbreak in the U.S. is at its highest level for this time of year in over a decade
- The virus is highly contagious, spreading rapidly in confined spaces
- Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps, lasting one to three days
- Handwashing with soap and water is the best prevention method
- There is no cure; treatment focuses on hydration and symptom management
Understanding Norovirus: The “Winter Vomiting Disease”
Norovirus, often referred to as the “winter vomiting disease,” is a highly contagious virus that peaks in the Northern Hemisphere between November and April. It has earned a reputation as the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis in the United States, affecting people of all ages.
“It’s one of the many viruses that affects our GI tract, but it’s the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis in all ages in the United States. So it causes a whole lot of infection,” Christopher Cao, Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, said.
The virus is particularly severe for children under five, adults over 85, and those with compromised immune systems. It spreads rapidly in confined spaces such as schools, healthcare facilities, and cruise ships, earning it the nickname “the cruise ship virus” according to Dr. William Schaffner.
The current norovirus outbreak in the United States has reached alarming levels. Health officials report that the number of cases is at its highest for this time of year in over a decade. This surge is partly attributed to more states participating in monitoring efforts and increased social interactions following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impact of norovirus is significant. It is responsible for approximately 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths annually in the U.S. Globally, norovirus causes about 685 million cases of acute gastroenteritis each year, with a particularly heavy toll on lower-income countries.
Symptoms and Transmission
Norovirus symptoms typically include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps. These symptoms usually last one to three days, but the experience can be incredibly unpleasant.
The virus is highly contagious, spreading through ingestion of contaminated food or contact with infected feces or vomit.
Dr. Georges Benjamin explained, “It doesn’t take a lot to get people pretty sick. That’s the main reason it’s so infectious.” In fact, as few as 10 viral particles can cause illness, making it exceptionally easy to contract.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to prevent contracting it.
Preventing norovirus infection primarily relies on good hygiene practices. Handwashing with soap and water is the most effective method, as the virus is resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers. It’s important to note that norovirus can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks and withstand extreme temperatures, contributing to its prevalence in winter.
Currently, there is no specific cure for norovirus. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing dehydration, which is a primary concern. Symptoms of dehydration include reduced urination and dizziness. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous fluid administration.
