Norovirus outbreak reported in US, most serious in recent weeks: report

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a stomach virus known as ‘norovirus’ is spreading in the northeastern region of the United States.

The three-week average of positive tests for norovirus in the region reached 13.9 percent in recent weeks and remains above the 10 percent positive rate since mid-December 2023, news portal The Hill reported, citing CDC data.

Apart from the US Northeast region, other areas of the country have also seen positive tests in recent weeks.

The Hill noted in its report that it is 9.5 percent in the South, 10 percent in the Midwest and about 12 percent in the West.

about norovirus

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea and foodborne illness in the United States, according to CDC data. The CDC said people of all ages can become infected and the disease spreads “very easily and quickly.”

People can become infected with norovirus several times in their lifetime because there are many types of viruses. “Being infected with one type of norovirus does not protect you from other types,” an advisory from the CDC says.

People may develop protection against specific types of norovirus, but it is not known how long the protection may last.

Outbreaks occur most frequently during the late fall, winter, and early spring. Symptoms also include fever, headache, dehydration and body aches.

According to CDC data, norovirus causes 19 to 21 million illnesses each year in the U.S., including about 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths, most of which occur in older adults.