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Norovirus cases are rising across the country compared to previous years. We often see an upward trend in these outbreaks during the winter months. But this year has been a doozy!
The virus, commonly associated with cruise ships and close living quarters like nursing homes and jails. Or places where people congregate close together like schools and churches, is most known for sudden vomiting and diarrhea.
Often referred to as a stomach bug or stomach flu, this nasty germ has been getting around.
Tis the season for norovirus. Or at least, that is what it seems to be.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, a surge in norovirus cases have recently been reported.
How bad is it?
Just during the week of December 5, there were 91 norovirus outbreaks reported. The week before, that number was 69.
To further put that into perspective, previous years have had no more than 65 outbreaks during that first week of December. This year’s stats are well above average.
Statistics provided by NoroSTAT obtain data from participating states. These states include: Alabama, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
This year (between August 1 and December 11, 2024) there were 495 norovirus outbreaks. During the same period last season, there were 363 norovirus outbreaks. That is an increase of 132 outbreaks. According to the website, “The total number of outbreaks reported during the 2024-2025 seasonal year is above the range reported during the same period during the 2012-2020 and 2021-2024 seasonal years.
On average, norovirus causes 19 to 21 million illnesses each year, resulting in about 109,000 hospitalization. Mostly among those over 65. It is responsible for around 465,000 emergency room visits each year. Mostly among young children.
This illness causes roughly 900 deaths in an average year too.
And this is no average year.
Be prepared as norovirus cases rising this year could bring illness to your own door. Here’s what you need to know about this germ.
If you have had a stomach bug that seemed to pass around your family or friend group, you probably had norovirus.
And you are not alone.
Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States. In fact, according to the CDC, this bad bug is responsible for 58% of the foodborne infections acquired in the country each year.
It doesn’t take much to get sick with norovirus. It is highly contagious. Health experts say you can become infected with as few as 10 viral particals.
The virus is spread by people who are already infected. This can be done by sharing food or eating utensils. But most commonly by eating after touching contaminated surfaces or consuming food touched by someone who is already infected and didn’t wash their hands.
And now for the thing that nobody wants to think about.
Unlike the actual flu or other respiratory viruses, norovirus is spread through the feces of an infected person.
Remember how I said it only takes a few viral particles to get sick? This means even trace amounts that you cannot see, smell, and either fortunately or unfortunately, taste can get you sick.
Now that you know what norovirus is. How do you know if you have it?
Only specialized laboratory tests performed on fecal samples can accurately diagnose norovirus. You can infer diagnosis if you have the same symptoms and similar food experiences to someone who has already been diagnosed.
In the outbreak world a confirmed case has laboratory evidence. A probable case has those similar experiences and symptoms. If you are sick enough to require medical attention, you will likely get a laboratory test to confirm.
Most people begin feeling symptoms within 12 to 48 hours of exposure.
Common symptoms of norovirus infection include:
Most people recover within one to three days. You are most contagious and likely to transmit your illness to others while you are feeling sick through the first few days of feeling better.
There is no medical treatment protocol for norovirus. Antibiotics are not effective against this type of infection, so your best course of action is to hydrate and rest until symptoms subside.
Vomiting and diarrhea multiple times a day can lead to dehydration – a dangerous complication.
Especially in young children, older adults, and those with other existing illnesses.
Dehydration symptoms may include:
Contact your healthcare provider if you or someone you are caring for becomes severely dehydrated.
If you have been recently diagnosed with norovirus infection or symptoms consistent with norovirus infection and you don’t know where you got it, you may be part of this outbreak. Get medical help right away and be sure you are tested for this harmful bacterial infection.
You can also reach out to your local health department. The more information investigators have about what sick people ate in the weeks prior to becoming sick the better grasp they will have on what is causing it.
If you have been seriously impacted by your norovirus illness, you may have a legal case.
Reach out to an experienced norovirus lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars in food contamination and product liability suits to help cover medical expenses, missed work, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness.
Get legal advice today.
Call (833) 330-3663 or submit your information on the online submission form for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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