Cases of norovirusalso known as food poisoning or stomach flu, has been rampant across the US
The number of suspected or confirmed outbreaks rose sharply in late 2024, with more than 91 norovirus outbreaks reported by state health departments through the first week of December, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Norovirus usually presents with unpleasant symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea stomach pains. In some cases, it can cause fever, headache and body aches.
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Chad D. Neilsen, MPH, director of infection prevention and control at Nemours Children’s Health in Florida, shared with Fox News Digital that norovirus is the leading cause foodborne illness in the US, causing about 20 million cases each year.
Chart showing the number of suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks reported by NoroSTAT participating states per week between August 2012 and December 2024. (CDC)
Norovirus is responsible for about 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths each year in the U.S., mostly affecting adults over age 65, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).
About one in 15 Americans will get norovirus annually, and one in 160 children will be hospitalized.
Spread and symptoms
People of any age may be infected and can show symptoms within two days, Neilsen noted.
Norovirus is extremely contagious, and it is usually transmitted between people through close contact, but often also through surfaces, dishes or food that is infected with the virus, the doctor warned.
“There is no treatment other than staying well hydrated.”
Fox News Senior Medical Associate, Dr. Marc Siegel, also weighed in, telling Fox News Digital that norovirus is “easily spread through food and food handling.”
Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. (iStock)
“It is wildly contagious and difficult to defend against except by frequent hand washing, early recognition of symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, low temperature) and isolation if you are sick,” he said.
“There is no treatment other than staying well hydrated,” the doctor added. “[It] usually takes about 3 days.”
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Neilsen agreed that most people will recover from norovirus in one to three days without any treatment, but others may experience more severe symptoms such as dehydration, which “may require medical attention.”
There is no cure for norovirus, but experts recommend staying well hydrated. (iStock)
Symptoms of dehydration include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, dizziness upon standing, crying with little or no tears, and unusual sleepiness or grogginess, according to the CDC.
If norovirus strikes, the agency recommends drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and seek medical attention medical care if it becomes difficult.
Prevention of norovirus
Steps to avoid norovirus are similar to preventing any other foodborne illness, Neilsen said.
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– Wash your hands, thoroughly cook food at recommended temperatures, properly clean and disinfect surfaces and avoid contact with others if you are sick – he advised.
The CDC also recommends washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly and wash clothes in hot water if possible.
The foods that most commonly cause norovirus outbreaks are leafy greens, fresh fruit and shellfish, according to the CDC. (iStock)
The doctor reiterated that the number of cases in the US is increasing from 2023, but there is no clear research on the reasons.
Norovirus typically peaks between November and April, according to Neilsen, most likely due to “seasonal trends” similar to other infectious viruses that thrive around that time, such as flu.
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“The combination of confined spaces, close contact and crowds is why norovirus thrives in environments such as schools, daycare centers and cruise ships,” he said.
Norovirus is usually spread in crowded places, such as schools and daycare centers. (iStock)
“Once the epidemic starts, it is difficult to control it without it public health and sanitary expertise.”
Norovirus can be difficult to kill, Neilsen noted. He recommends using bleach to clean contaminated surfaces.
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Some people may be contagious even after recovery. Experts recommend proceeding with caution and continuing the disinfection routine.
