Norovirus outbreaks are surging across the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a sharp increase in cases this winter.
During the week of December 5, 91 outbreaks were reported, up from 69 the previous week, marking boosted activity of the contagious stomach virus, the AP News reported.
In Minnesota, the state health department reported over 40 outbreaks this month, almost twice the average number of stomach flu cases.
Norovirus, often referred to as the “stomach flu,” causes acute gastroenteritis which leads to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, the CDC noted. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or person-to-person contact, making outbreaks difficult to contain.
This season’s outbreaks have affected cruise ships, schools, and even outdoor hiking trails, with hundreds of people falling ill. In November, a cruise ship outbreak left over 70 passengers sick with vomiting and diarrhea, while a popular hiking trail in Hawaii had to close temporarily in October due to the virus.
Norovirus is responsible for 19 to 21 million illnesses, 109,000 hospitalizations, and 900 deaths in the U.S. annually, mostly among adults aged 65 and older, according to the American Medical Association. Outbreaks are most common from November to April, with the current season showing higher-than-average activity.
Frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, cooking food thoroughly, and avoiding food prep when sick help prevent norovirus.
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