Feb. 27, 2024 -- Norovirus infection rates are up across the country, as they usually are at this time of year, with the biggest hit occurring in the Northeastern states.
In that region, more than 13% of norovirus tests are turning up positive since late January. In the Western states, the test positivity rate topped 12% in recent weeks, all according to the CDC’s report Norovirus Regional Trends.
From the most recent three weeks’ information, Southern states have seen a positive test rate of about 9%, the Midwest about 10%, Food Safety News reported.
Norovirus is thought to be the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomiting) around the world. It spreads easily through food and drink.
According to the CDC, noroviruses trigger about 19 million to 21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis in the U.S. per year and send more than 450,000 people to the emergency room.
It can strike year-round, but is more common in the winter. People sometimes call it the winter vomiting bug or stomach flu. It's also called food poisoning, but contaminated food isn't always the reason for it.
The norovirus incubation period is about 12 to 48 hours. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting (more often in children), watery diarrhea (more often in adults), and stomach cramps.
“Common settings for norovirus outbreaks include restaurants and events with catered meals (36%), nursing homes (23%), schools (13%), and vacation settings or cruise ships (10%),” Food Safety News wrote. “Proper hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of norovirus.”
People become infected when they eat or drink contaminated foods and beverages. Raw or undercooked oysters and raw fruits and vegetables have been blamed in some outbreaks. You can also get infected if you touch an object or surface infected with the virus then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.
There is no specific treatment for norovirus, which usually goes away within a few days.