Overview
- CDC data show nearly 14% of norovirus tests were positive in the week ending Nov. 15, with more than 2,700 tests yielding about 380 diagnoses, roughly double the rate seen in August.
- Epic Research electronic health records point to elevated activity in Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming, with emergency-department visits rising since July.
- Recent clusters include a Michigan middle school that closed for a day for deep cleaning after dozens fell ill and a cruise-ship outbreak in October that sickened nearly 100 passengers.
- Norovirus is a leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea and foodborne illness in the U.S., contributing to about 2,500 outbreaks, over 100,000 hospitalizations and roughly 900 deaths each year, with higher risk for older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems.
- Prevention guidance stresses washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, thorough cleaning of surfaces and safe food handling, as alcohol-based hand sanitizer works poorly against norovirus and people can remain contagious for at least two days after symptoms end.