What to Know About Norovirus: The ‘Winter Vomiting’ Bug Spreading Quickly Across the U.S.

Norovirus, often called the “winter vomiting bug,” is rapidly spreading across the U.S., causing outbreaks in schools, nursing homes, and other close-contact settings. The highly contagious virus leads to sudden vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and dehydration, and can spread through contaminated food, surfaces, or close contact. While most people recover within a few days, prevention such as thorough handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, and staying home when sick is crucial to slowing transmission.

Health officials are warning of a sharp rise in norovirus cases across the United States, with older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems facing the greatest risk of severe illness or death. Norovirusoften called the “winter vomiting disease”—is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

The virus spreads easily through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces and can be transmitted through particles found in vomit or feces. Individuals may continue to spread the virus for up to two weeks after symptoms improve.

Symptoms of Norovirus

• Nausea and sudden vomiting
  
  
• Diarrhea
  
  
• Stomach cramps
  
  
• Fever
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Body aches
  
  

Rising Cases in the U.S.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 14% of recent norovirus tests are now coming back positive—double the rate from three months ago. More than 2,700 tests were conducted in the most recent reporting week, meaning roughly 380 cases were confirmed during that period.

Norovirus causes around 2,500 outbreaks each year in the U.S., resulting in more than 100,000 hospitalizations and nearly 900 deaths annually. Those 65 and older are most likely to die from the infection, while young children and people with compromised immune systems also face elevated danger.

Wastewater monitoring data from WastewaterSCAN, a Stanford University–led tracking program, shows norovirus levels have climbed 69% nationwide since October, with notable increases in Louisiana, Michigan, and Indiana. “Right now, we’re in the high category for norovirus at the national level,” Amanda Bidwell, scientific program manager for WastewaterSCAN, told NBC News. While levels remain below last year’s peak, experts say it’s too early to predict the severity of the current season.

How to Prevent Infection

Health experts recommend:

• Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
  
  
• Disinfecting high-touch surfaces with bleach-based cleaners.
  
  
• Staying home when sick and avoiding preparing food for others.
  
  
• Practicing food safety by cooking shellfish thoroughly and washing produce.
  
  
• Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
  
  

Norovirus infections typically resolve within a few days, but prevention remains key to limiting spread during peak season.

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Source: NDTV‍