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Norovirus Activity Rises Early, With Wastewater Spikes in Michigan and Los Angeles County

Soap-and-water handwashing remains the primary defense against a virus that resists many sanitizers.

Overview

  • CDC data show national norovirus test positivity at 11.69% for the week ending Nov. 22, with the western U.S. higher at 14.08%.
  • Los Angeles County reports increasing norovirus concentrations in wastewater, while state officials say overall California levels are still low but trending up.
  • WastewaterSCAN readings in Michigan have climbed since mid-October, with five of six monitored sites—Jackson, Jenison, Mt. Pleasant, Traverse City, and Warren—classified as high.
  • Michigan clinicians and parents report rapid within-household spread and short illness duration of roughly two to three days, with emphasis on staying hydrated, especially for children.
  • Doctors caution that the GII.17 subvariant could drive more illness this season, and experts advise thorough handwashing and surface cleaning because standard hand sanitizer is ineffective.