BOSTON, Massachusetts — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported a surge in the spread of the norovirus, a highly contagious stomach virus, across the Northeast region of the United States. Data from the CDC indicated that the three-week average of positive tests for norovirus in the region has exceeded 10 percent since mid-December 2023, reaching 13.9 percent in recent weeks.
Furthermore, while the Northeast is experiencing a high number of positive norovirus cases, other regions in the United States are also reporting an increase in positive tests. The South has recorded a 9.5 percent positive rate, the Midwest has hovered around 10 percent, and the West has reported about 12 percent.
The CDC has highlighted norovirus as the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States. They have emphasized that people of all ages can become infected, and the illness spreads very easily and quickly. Additionally, the CDC has cautioned that there are many different types of norovirus, and becoming infected with one type may not provide protection against other types.
It is important to note that outbreaks of norovirus occur most frequently during late fall, winter, and early spring. Symptoms of norovirus also include fever, headache, dehydration, and body aches. To prevent the spread of the virus, the CDC recommends thorough handwashing with soap and water, disinfecting surfaces with bleach, and washing laundry with hot water.
In the United States, norovirus causes an estimated 19 to 21 million illnesses each year, with the majority occurring from November to April. The CDC has reported approximately 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths annually due to norovirus, with the highest risk among older adults.
As the norovirus continues to spread across the country, health officials are urging individuals to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from the virus. It is essential for the public to stay informed about the latest guidance and recommendations provided by the CDC to prevent the further spread of norovirus.