Over the past month, norovirus has been spreading in the Northeastern region at the highest rates recorded since April of last year.
On average, over 13% of norovirus tests in the region have returned positive results since late January, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . While this share is higher than in any other part of the U.S. currently, it is still lower than the region’s rate during the same period last year.
A stomach virus known as the norovirus is spreading across the Northeast region of the United States, according to the CDC. https://t.co/5Zj5KqyLsY
— News 4 Buffalo (@news4buffalo) February 24, 2024
Norovirus tends to be somewhat seasonal, with cases occurring most frequently during the cold months (late fall, winter, and early spring). Nationally, norovirus positivity rates have been hovering between 10% and 12.5% since early January.
By comparison, during last year’s peak, rates exceeded 16% in mid-March. Western states have also been affected, with a three-week positivity rate of 12% as of Saturday .
Norovirus, often colloquially referred to as the “stomach flu” or “food poisoning,” is not related to influenza. This highly contagious virus typically causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Mild fever and aches may also occur. Norovirus spreads easily through hands and surfaces, with just a few particles being enough to make someone sick.
Infected individuals shed billions of virus particles in their stool and vomit, and the virus can linger on objects and surfaces for days or even weeks. Interestingly, an infected person can transmit norovirus even after feeling better, potentially for up to two weeks.
The virus can also spread via contaminated food, which is why it is sometimes called “food poisoning.” In fact, norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the country. Contaminated water used for growing or washing fruits and vegetables can taint food, and oysters harvested from contaminated water also pose a norovirus risk.
Currently, the FDA advises caution regarding the sale and consumption of certain oysters from Baja California and Sonora, Mexico. Notably, a norovirus outbreak linked to a North Carolina sushi restaurant in December sickened at least 241 people.
Most norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. occur between November and April, with an average of around 20 million cases per year. Although there is no specific treatment for the virus, the CDC recommends staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, as the illness typically passes within a few days.
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