Norovirus Surge Hits Northeast, Highest Rates Since April 2023:
The Northeast region of the United States is currently grappling with a surge in norovirus cases, reaching the highest rates since April of last year. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 13% of norovirus tests have been coming back positive on average since late January.
While norovirus is somewhat seasonal, with cases peaking in cold months, the current positivity rates in the Northeast are notably higher than in any other part of the country at the moment. However, they are still lower than the region’s rates during the same period last year.
Across the nation, norovirus positivity rates have been hovering between 10% and 12.5% since early January. Western states are the second-hardest hit, with a three-week positivity rate of 12% as of Saturday.
Norovirus, often colloquially referred to as the stomach flu, is highly contagious and typically causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Mild fever and aches can also accompany the illness.
The virus spreads easily through contact with contaminated hands and surfaces, with just a few particles being enough to cause infection. Infected individuals can shed billions of virus particles in their stool and vomit, and the virus can persist on surfaces for days or even weeks.
Notably, norovirus can be transmitted even after symptoms have subsided, potentially for up to two weeks. It also spreads through contaminated food, making it the leading cause of foodborne illness in the country. Contaminated water used in growing or washing fruits and vegetables, as well as tainted oysters harvested from polluted waters, can contribute to outbreaks.
In December, a norovirus outbreak linked to a sushi restaurant in North Carolina sickened at least 241 people, highlighting the ongoing risk posed by the virus.
While there is no specific treatment for norovirus, the CDC recommends staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. The illness typically resolves within a few days, but it remains a significant public health concern, with the United States experiencing around 20 million cases annually.
