Documented norovirus cases on the rise, but may not tell the whole story about total infections

The CDC advises people with norovirus symptoms to wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. One health expert, however, warns that hand sanitizers can be ineffective. File photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

30 Dec (UPI) — Norovirus cases are on the rise in the United States, according to recent government data and reports.

Data recently released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 91 cases of norovirus were reported this month through the week of December 5, up from 65 at the most recent high in the past few years.

Norovirus is known to be highly contagious and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain within 48 hours of a person being exposed, the agency said.

However, government data does not provide a complete picture because local, state and territory health departments are not required to report individual cases of norovirus to the CDC. Meanwhile, only 15 states participate in the National Outbreak Reporting System.

The american scientist reported that approximately 19 to 21 million people in the United States contract norovirus each year.

Data recently released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that 91 cases of norovirus were reported this month during the week of December 5, up from 65 at the most recent high in the past few years. File photo by James Gathany/CDC via Wikimedia Commons

Outbreaks occur throughout the year, but are usually more common between November and April. According to the CDC, most hospitals and doctor’s offices generally will not test for norovirus.

Norovirus it is the number one cause of foodborne illness in the United States, with approximately 2,500 outbreaks reported each year.

A renowned immunologist and microbiologist says that in addition to causing violent vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps, norovirus “can be shed in the stool for 2 weeks, and hand sanitizers are ineffective against it.”

“Norovirus is a great virus because it doesn’t have a lipid envelope. That means it’s incredibly stable in the environment,” Dr. Andrea Love of immunologicallya science and health education organization that addresses science and science misinformation relevant to the public, wrote on Sunday Bluesky.

The federal government said that a long time ago as in 2013 that 21 million people a year fell ill, causing about 70,000 hospitalizations and about 800 deaths.

And, earlier this year, the FDA in April warned California restaurants and consumers to avoid certain oysters on the half shell due to concerns about norovirus contamination after 80 customers reported becoming ill after eating at a Los Angeles restaurant.

Norovirus, often called the “cruise ship virus,” causes more than 90 percent of diarrheal illness outbreaks on cruise ships and lasts about two days, according to CDC.

December was the only month this year that the CDC reported three separate confirmed norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships when just over 300 people were sick on three different cruise ships this month.

However, norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships represent only a small percentage of all reported norovirus outbreaks.

CDC he advised those with symptoms of: stay at home for at least a day or two; wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water; wash clothes in hot water; clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces; and thoroughly clean produce such as vegetables as well as fruit and shellfish.

More information

CDC has more about norovirus.