Norovirus Is Again With a Vengeance

The winter is commonly synonymous with chilly and flu season. Sadly, these germs aren’t the one ones spreading broadly 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.

In response to the latest surveillance data from the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, instances of norovirus are doubtless surging within the U.S. Simply final week, about 14% of lab exams got here again optimistic 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 commonly 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 example, the CDC documented at the least 2,675 outbreaks within the U.S., nearly double the quantity reported in the identical interval the earlier yr (1,478). Extra just lately, the tempo of outbreaks within the fall seemed to settle again down. However norovirus is particularly prevalent throughout the winter, as extra individuals spend time indoors, and the early knowledge isn’t trying good for a reprieve.

The 14% take a look at positivity fee this mid-November is correct across the similar fee noticed throughout the identical time interval final yr. In December 2024, the nation experienced a record-breaking surge of norovirus, with a peak testing fee of practically 25%. In response to Epic Analysis’s data tracker, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Oklahoma are presently experiencing the very best variety of reported norovirus instances.

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 gentle season will result in loads of gastrointestinal misery. Yearly, norovirus causes about 20 million instances of vomiting and diarrhea within the U.S. And although it’s not often deadly, the sickness nonetheless sends roughly 100,000 Individuals to the hospital yearly.

Given all that, it’s at all times prudent to do what you can to scale back your danger of catching and spreading the abdomen flu to others.

You must at all times wash vegatables and fruits and prepare dinner your shellfish totally, as an example. You must also clear your kitchen utensils, reducing boards, and surfaces, particularly after getting ready shellfish. And it’s best to totally wash your arms after dealing with raw meals, since norovirus or different foodborne germs could possibly be transmitted by your arms inadvertently touching your mouth later.

And in the event you’re feeling queasy, it’s best to keep away from direct contact with individuals if doable and constantly wash your arms with cleaning soap and water (hand sanitizer won’t work towards norovirus).

All that is likely to be simpler mentioned than carried out 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 doable. Talking personally, I’m crossing my fingers that scientists finally figure out learn how to make an efficient norovirus vaccine sooner quite than later.