Cases of norovirus are rising in the Northeastern US, with just over 13% of tests returning positive results during the week of February 17, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.

Norovirus for Census Region 2(3 week average). CDC.

 

 

Just behind the Northeast, the Western US is seeing the second-highest norovirus rates (12.1%) in the country. The Midwest is seeing 10.2% of tests coming back positive, while the Southern region is seeing the lowest rates at 9.5%.

Norovirus for Census Region 2(3 week average). CDC.

Region 2 | eastern section | regional offices | atsdr.

 

 

The highly contagious norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis globally, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

Norovirus Burden and Trends. CDC.

CDC. About norovirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

According to Toufic Kachaamy, MD, Chief of Medicine and Director of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy at City of Hope in Phoenix, AZ, “[Norovirus is] notorious for rapid and effortless transmissibility through contaminated food, surfaces, or direct person-to-person contact via the oral route.” The body, he explains, requires a very low dosage of the viral particles for infection to settle in. 

Every year, there are an estimated 19 to 21 million norovirus illnesses. While it can affect people of any age, it causes an estimated 900 deaths annually, mostly among people aged 65 and older. Most patients experience a short course of sickness—one to three days—with rapid resolution, David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, adds.

Norovirus Burden and Trends. CDC.

 

“The problem is that norovirus is a whole group of viruses,” Dr. Cutler says. “There isn’t one particular virus.” While a patient might develop immunity against one type of norovirus, there are many strains, he explains. It’s unknown just how long protection can even last, and a patient’s genetic makeup can play a role in this. The CDC says that when a new strain of norovirus is unleashed, it’s possible to see a 50% jump in cases.

CDC. About norovirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Norovirus Burden and Trends. CDC.

 

 

While cases may be increasing at a seemingly alarming rate (with media coverage detailing, for example, cruise ships full of sick passengers), the outbreaks are actually on par with seasonal trends.

Norovirus Burden and Trends. CDC.

CDC. About norovirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

“Its prevalence intensifies during the winter months, a period characterized by the increased indoor congregation of individuals, particularly children, facilitating heightened exposure to potentially infected persons,” Dr. Kachaamy says.

In general, Dr. Cutler says, the virus is not just affecting the Northeast. “It’s ubiquitous and everywhere,” he says. “It’s not out of the ordinary. And while the CDC does track it, most cases don’t even get diagnosed as norovirus.” 

The CDC says that some US laboratories that report weekly norovirus cases to the CDC may experience reporting delays, leading to incomplete regional data.  

 

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Dr. Cutler says it’s critically important not to undermine the power of good hygiene. You should also practice frequent handwashing and clean your food and food prep surfaces, as food is a main transmission culprit.

Norovirus sweeps the country; CDC says Northeast particularly hard hit. Food Safety News.

 

 

Dr. Kachaamy adds that the virus is smart; it can be resilient against conventional antimicrobial agents like hand sanitizer. The best bet is to wash your hands with soap and water in addition to using hand sanitizer.

Prevent Norovirus. CDC.

 

 

To prevent the spread of the illness, the CDC also recommends disinfecting surfaces with chlorine bleach or another disinfectant after someone vomits or has diarrhea.

Prevent Norovirus. CDC.