Following reports of outbreaks nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in early December that the number of norovirus cases had doubled from prior years. The CDC reported 91 occurrences of norovirus, also referred to as the stomach flu, during the week of December 5, more than twice as many as the greatest number recorded between 2021 and 2024. The study follows a news statement from the Minnesota Department of Health indicating that the state experienced twice as many stomach flu cases in December as usual.
What is norovirus?
According to the CDC, norovirus, also referred to as the stomach flu, is the primary cause of vomiting and diarrhea caused by gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Additionally, the virus accounts for 58% of acquired foodborne diseases in the United States, making it the leading cause of foodborne illness.
Norovirus was recently discovered at food gatherings and on cruise liners
According to a previous story by USA TODAY, more than 80 individuals were reported to have become ill this month after consuming oysters at the Los Angeles Times 101 Best Restaurants event. Following many recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration alerting consumers to the possibility of virus contamination, oysters from British Columbia, Canada, were also recalled. Several cruise ships have also reported norovirus outbreaks this month.
On a Holland American Line cruise that left Fort Lauderdale on December 8 and finished on December 20, 83 passengers and 12 crew members reported feeling unwell last week. Diarrhea and vomiting were their primary complaints. The outbreak prompted two other norovirus outbreaks: one on Holland America’s Zuiderdam cruise, which ended on December 14, and another on Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess, which ended on December 18.
Children and the elderly are particularly impacted by norovirus
Although the virus can infect everyone, some age groups are more vulnerable than others.According to the CDC, children under the age of five and seniors over 85 are more likely to attend an outpatient or emergency department. According to the CDC, the virus is to blame for over a million children medical visits.
What are the symptoms of norovirus illness?
The Cleveland Clinic and the Minnesota Department of Health have identified the following signs of a norovirus infection:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramping
- Urinating less or having dark-coloured pee
- Dry mouth
- Feeling weak
- Dizziness
Less common symptoms are:
- Low-grade fever or chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
When do symptoms of noroviruses manifest?
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, symptoms will appear one to two days after exposure to the virus. However, symptoms can occasionally show up 12 hours after use. Typically, the illness lasts one to two days. Some virus-infected individuals may have unpleasant symptoms, while others may not exhibit any symptoms at all. However, they can still spread the illness to other people.
