CDC Data Indicates Significant Rise in Norovirus Outbreaks Across U.S. During Winter Season

Health officials are sounding the alarm as norovirus, often dubbed the stomach bug, is showing an uptick in case numbers across several regions in the United States as winter sets in. NBC Chicago reports the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highlighting a surge from 69 outbreaks in the last week of November to 91 outbreaks in the first week of December. The numbers reflect a concerning increase, with the historical data for the same time frame in previous years never exceeding 65 outbreaks.

These stomach-churning outbreaks typically involve symptoms such as acute vomiting and diarrhea, accompanying nausea, and body aches. Caused by a group of easily transmissible viruses, norovirus infections can begin to aggressively manifest within 12 to 48 hours after exposure, as per NBC Chicago . Most individuals tend to recover fully within one to three days, yet the virus does not shy away from making a substantial impact.



The CDC estimates it leads, on average, to 900 deaths and 109,000 hospitalizations per year, primarily among the elderly, while also contributing to roughly 465,000 emergency department visits—predominately involving young children. With the virus spreading predominantly through direct contact, such as sharing contaminated food or utensils, and sometimes through food, water, or surfaces tainted with the virus, CBS News shared insights from Dr. Leana Wen, who appeared on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" and cautioned, "Wash your hands really well, especially if you're going to buffets.

Wash your hands if you're touching commonly touched surfaces, before you touch your mouth, before you touch your nose." Specifically hard hit are communal environments such as cruise ships, nursing homes, jails, and schools. This December witnessed a notable high in cruise ship outbreaks with other institutions also reporting increased incidences.

Health authorities stress that vigilant handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before meals is an effective way to at least partly mitigate the risk of transmission. Moreover, cleaning commonly used surfaces with disinfectants is recommended to further minimize the spread. There's currently no medication to directly combat norovirus, making preventive measures and supportive treatments like rehydration even more central in managing the illness.

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