Overview
- WastewaterSCAN reports a 69% national increase in norovirus concentrations since October, with CDC data showing ongoing regional rises even as the latest national week showed early signs of leveling.
- Midwest activity remains elevated, including an alert from the DuPage County Health Department in Illinois and wastewater spikes noted in parts of Michigan and Indiana.
- School disruptions have expanded, with Roberts Elementary in Medford, Massachusetts, closing for a second day on Friday after more than 130 student absences, and Virginia officials reporting strain on emergency rooms.
- UKHSA says recent UK activity has increased yet remains below the five-season two-week average, with HNORS hospital outbreaks 51.3% lower than average and week 49 laboratory positives at 185, up 33.9% from the prior two weeks.
- Infectious-disease experts emphasize the virus’s hardiness and undercounting due to limited routine testing, and public guidance stresses soap-and-water handwashing, bleach-based disinfection, safe food handling, hot laundry, and staying home for 48 hours after symptoms stop.