Norovirus cases are now increasing

There’s a potential party guest you’ll definitely want to stay away from on New Year’s Eve: norovirus. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that norovirus outbreaks are being reported across the United States

According to the CDC Latest monitoring91 norovirus outbreaks were reported nationally during the first week of December, representing a significant increase from previous weeks. The data provides only a limited glimpse into how widespread norovirus is across the United States right now, but 2024 has been a particularly bad year for stomach bug illness.

Although norovirus is often associated with cruise ships, it is a prolific source of digestive misery everywhere. The virus is highly contagious The leading cause of foodborne illness In the United States, people are typically sent to their beds and toilets with diarrhea, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms that last for up to three days. While the conditions are rarely life-threatening, about 100,000 Americans are hospitalized as a result each year.

Like many other diseases, norovirus took a break during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to increased social distancing. As people’s lives and social habits have largely returned to normal, norovirus and other germs have emerged Unwelcome return. But 2024 was exceptional even compared to typical trends.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention495 norovirus outbreaks were reported in the United States between August and December of this year, which is higher than the 363 norovirus outbreaks reported during those same months in 2023. Norovirus infections can occur at any time, but the disease tends to The peak is between November and November. April in the United States, and outbreaks reported so far this season are higher than the range observed during the same time period in recent seasons, dating back to 2012.

These reports are only part of the picture. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance system includes only outbreaks reported by health departments in 14 states (full list can be viewed here). Most norovirus infections generally go unreported, because people usually wait out their symptoms without seeking medical care. Therefore, outside of an outbreak, it can be clearly traced to a specific food source (e.g. another Outbreak involving some shellfish), it can be difficult to know when and where norovirus is currently spreading.

Another important factor is our limited immunity to norovirus. There are several types of pathogenic noroviruses circulating at any one time, and recent infection with one strain may not protect you from the others. Our immunity to a particular strain may tend to wane over time as well It lasts for as little as a few months For some unlucky people.

People can Take steps To reduce the risk of spreading and becoming infected with the norovirus. If you are currently suffering or have recently suffered from vomiting and diarrhoea, for example, you should avoid direct contact with people if possible and wash your hands frequently with soap and water. You should not use hand sanitizer instead, because the physical structure of the virus makes it resistant to alcohol. You should avoid preparing food for others for a while even after you feel better, because the virus can remain in the stool for two weeks or more.

Although it may be difficult to avoid a spoiler ignoring these tips, you can reduce your risk of contracting norovirus from food. You should always wash fruits and vegetables and cook shellfish well. You should clean kitchen utensils, cutting boards, and countertops regularly, especially after preparing oysters. You should wash your hands well after handling uncooked food, because norovirus or other foodborne germs can be transmitted by accidentally touching your hands to your mouth later.

There are scientists and pharmaceutical companies working on norovirus vaccines, some of which are close to being there Clinical trials are in a late stage. So, with any luck, the norovirus nightmare will one day become a distant memory.