A highly contagious stomach virus, known as norovirus, is currently spreading throughout the Northeast region of the United States, according to recent data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Over the past few weeks, the average rate of positive norovirus tests in the region has surged to 13.9 percent, remaining consistently above 10 percent since mid-December 2023. While the Northeast bears the brunt of this outbreak, other regions across the country are also witnessing an increase in positive cases. In the South, positive tests stand at 9.5 percent, while the Midwest and West regions hover around 10 percent and 12 percent, respectively.
Norovirus is identified as the primary cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illnesses in the United States, as highlighted by the CDC. This highly contagious illness can affect individuals of all ages and spreads rapidly and easily.
The CDC emphasizes that individuals can contract norovirus multiple times throughout their lives due to the presence of numerous strains of the virus. While exposure to one strain may provide some immunity, it does not guarantee protection against other variants.
Symptoms of norovirus include not only vomiting and diarrhea but also fever, headache, dehydration, and body aches. The CDC recommends strict hygiene practices such as thorough handwashing with soap and water, surface disinfection using bleach, and laundering clothes with hot water to prevent further transmission.
With an estimated 19 to 21 million cases of norovirus annually in the U.S., predominantly occurring between November and April, the virus poses a significant public health concern. Approximately 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths are reported each year, with older adults being the most vulnerable demographic, according to the CDC.
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