This virus is surging across America and there’s no treatment. Here’s how to stay safe
Colder weather often leads to a surge in illnesses. However, one illness in particular has been spreading at a rapid rate across America.
Norovirus is the the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea in the United States. It infects an average of about 20 million U.S. residents annually, according to the CDC. There are about 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks in the United States each year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control’s norovirus reporting network, the agency confirmed one norovirus outbreak in Washington state between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024.
Within the state, though, King County’s health department reported two recent outbreaks to the public last year, one in October 2024 and one in August 2024.
Pierce County also had at least one outbreak in October 2024, and Whatcom County had a suspected case in early January 2025. The FDA issued a safety alert to Washington state and Oregon food retail places, restaurants and consumers to avoid shellstock oysters harvested between December 2 and December 17, 2024 from a specific vendor in Washington.
Across the U.S., from August 2024 to January 2025, the CDC recorded 1,078 reports of norovirus outbreaks. That’s a 94 percent increase from the same period last seasonal year.
This is a testament to how highly contagious the virus is. William Shaffner, a National Foundation for Infectious Diseases spokesperson, says that it only takes a few viral particles to infect someone.
Norovirus can be passed between human contact, but the virus is also able to survive on environmental surfaces and in food. In rare cases, it can also spread through soft water.
Norovirus is most prevalent between November and April. Doctors are concerned about the virus every year, but in years where a new strain of the virus is dominant — like this year — illness rates can increase, according to the CDC.
Here’s what you should know about symptoms, treatment, and when to seek medical help
Is norovirus just a stomach bug?
Norovirus is not just a stomach bug or food poisoning, though it is often mistaken for those things.
It is a highly contagious virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting.
The worst part about it: There is no specific medicine to treat norovirus. Those who get infected just have to let the illness play out. It typically lasts one to three days, according to the CDC.
How does norovirus spread?
You can get norovirus if:
- You have direct contact with someone infected with norovirus (caring for them, sharing food utensils, eating food handled by them).
- You eat food or drink liquids contaminated with norovirus.
- You touch contaminated objects or surfaces and then put your unwashed fingers in your mouth.
You can still spread norovirus for two weeks or more after you feel better.
What are norovirus symptoms?
If you are sick with norovirus, you will experience the following:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Nausea
Stomach pain
Fever
Headache
Body aches
Those with norovirus will also experience dehydration. You know you are dehydrated if you experience the following:
Decreased urination
Dry mouth and throat
Feeling dizzy when standing up
Children or babies may have the following symptoms:
Crying with few or no tears
Unusual sleepiness or fussines
Should I see a doctor for norovirus?
You should see a doctor if you experience the following:
Severe dehydration
Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than two or three days
Unable to keep fluids down for 24 hours
Vomiting blood or having bloody stools
Severe abdominal or rectal pain
Fever over 104 degrees
Green vomit in adults/yellow-green vomit in children
Norovirus while over 65 years old
Underlying health conditions, including a weak immune system
Pregnancy
How can I prevent or manage norovirus?
The CDC recommends preventing norovirus by taking these precautions:
Washing hands with warm water and soap (not using hand sanitizer; hand washing is best) for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom and before handling food.
During food preparation, wash all produce extremely well and cook meats to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees.
Routinely wash all cooking utensils.
Use gloves and bleach to clean infected areas.
Do routine laundry with hot water.
Take out trash regularly.
If you are already infected, you can manage your symptoms with these tips:
Stay hydrated. If you can keep fluids down, drink water, clear broths, fruit juices or sports drinks. (Use oral hydration solutions if you are struggling to keep fluids down).
Rest as much as possible.
Once you are able to eat, consume plain foods.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Be careful with over the counter medicines that can upset an empty stomach.
This story was originally published January 29, 2025 at 1:04 PM.
