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Norovirus Activity Climbs Nationwide as LA County Wastewater Signals Surge

Early wastewater and clinical signals are prompting officials to emphasize soap-and-water handwashing with bleach-based disinfection.

Overview

  • WasteWaterSCAN classified national norovirus activity as high for the week ending Dec. 12, with a 42% jump in median wastewater concentration compared with November.
  • Los Angeles County reported sharp wastewater increases over a recent three-week span, including a 154% rise in the city and more than 250% countywide.
  • CDC surveillance shows continued circulation, with 9.37% of 2,722 norovirus tests positive for the week ending Dec. 6, following autumn’s upward trend.
  • Health agencies stress prevention through thorough handwashing with soap and water, staying home while sick, and using EPA List G products or bleach solutions for cleanup.
  • Experts caution that many wipes do not fully inactivate norovirus and note clinicians are monitoring a GII.17 subvariant, with its impact still uncertain.