Norovirus Outbreaks Spike in the U.S.: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention Tips

10 Key Points About Norovirus

1. Surge in Cases
   Norovirus outbreaks have spiked in the U.S., with 91 cases reported in early December, a sharp increase from 69 the previous week.
2. Past Trends
   Historically, December outbreaks averaged 65, making this winter’s surge unusually high.
3. What is Norovirus?
   Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., responsible for 58% of such infections annually.
4. Symptoms
   Common symptoms include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, body aches, headaches, and fever.
5. How It Spreads
   The virus spreads through contact with infected people, contaminated food, water, or surfaces.
6. Duration of Illness
   Symptoms typically appear within 12–48 hours of exposure and last 1–3 days, with full recovery in most cases.
7. Impact
   Norovirus causes 19–21 million illnesses, 465,000 ER visits, 109,000 hospitalizations, and 900 deaths annually in the U.S.
8. At-Risk Groups
   Young children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk, especially from dehydration.
9. No Specific Treatment
   There is no medication for norovirus; rehydration with water or non-alcoholic fluids is essential to manage dehydration.

10. Prevention Tips

Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, and disinfect surfaces to reduce the spread.