Cases of norovirus are reportedly on the rise, according to new statistics shared by the CDC.
Included as part of their NoroSTAT program, the CDC reported that there were approximately 495 norovirus outbreaks as of Dec. 11, 2024, since Aug. 1, 2024.
The latest statistic marks a significant increase since last year, in which 363 norovirus outbreaks were recorded around this time.
Overall, the average positivity rate for the virus was more than 22% at the end of Dec. 28. The rate is double that recorded last year; in 2023, around this time, only 12% of norovirus tests were reported as being positive.
“This year, the number of reported norovirus outbreaks have exceeded the numbers that we’ve seen recently and in the years before the pandemic,” said a CDC spokesperson per TODAY.com. “The total number of outbreaks reported during this 2024–2025 season is above those reported during the same period during 2012–2020 and 2021-2024.”
Often called the “stomach flu,” norovirus is actually not related to the flu. The virus is related more to acute gastroenteritis, which is characterized as an inflammation of the stomach.
Norovirus is categorized as a highly contagious virus which often spreads through contaminated food, water, and surfaces.
The virus can have lasting effects ranging from 1 to 3 days. Anyone who has been infected with norovirus can spread it days after they are diagnosed.
Symptoms usually develop 12 to 48 hours after the person is infected with norovirus.
Along with diarrhea and vomiting, the virus can cause nausea, fever, headaches, body aches, dehydration and stomach pain.
Health professionals recommend No specific care on how to deal with norovirus. The CDC recommends treating dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids and contacting medical care workers if there are symptoms of severe dehydration.
To protect oneself from contracting the virus, clean your hands thoroughly and disinfect surfaces that might be contaminated. Laundry must also be washed in hot water and vegetables should be thoroughly washed as well. Shellfish, meanwhile, should be cooked properly.
For those who were diagnosed with norovirus, the CDC recommends staying isolated at home for up to 2 days after the last of the symptoms cease.
