Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
This New Year’s Eve, there’s one potential guest you definitely want to stay away from: the norovirus. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that norovirus outbreaks are being reported in the United States.
According to the CDC last observationDuring the first week of December, 91 norovirus outbreaks were registered in the country, which is much more than in previous weeks. The data only provides a limited snapshot of how widespread norovirus is in the U.S. right now, but 2024 was a particularly bad year to get sick with the stomach bug.
Although often associated with cruise ships, norovirus is a prolific source of gastrointestinal misery everywhere. It is a highly contagious virus is the main cause of foodborne diseases In the United States, it sends people to their beds and toilets with diarrhea, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms that usually last up to three days. Although cases are rarely life-threatening, about 100,000 Americans are hospitalized each year as a result.
Like many other diseases, norovirus took a break during the early years of the covid-19 pandemic thanks to increased social distancing. As people’s lives and social habits largely return to normal, norovirus and other germs unwanted return. But 2024 was even higher than typical trends.
According to XNMBetween August and December of this year, 495 norovirus outbreaks were reported in the United States, which is more than the 363 norovirus outbreaks reported during the same months of 2023. Norovirus cases can occur at any time, but the disease peaks between November and December. April And reported outbreaks in the US so far this season are higher than the range seen during the same period in recent seasons up to 2012.
These reports are only part of the picture. CDC’s surveillance system only includes outbreaks reported by 14 state health departments (see the full list here). here). And most cases of norovirus go unreported because people usually wait out their symptoms without seeking medical attention. Thus, outside of epidemics, there is a clear need for a specific food source (e.g., the latest an epidemic involving certain oysters), it can be difficult to tell when and where norovirus is currently hitting.
Another important factor is our limited immunity to norovirus. There are several types of norovirus that cause illness, and a recent infection with one type may not protect you from others. Our immunity to a particular type also tends to weaken over time, perhaps lasts for several months for some unlucky people.
People can take steps to minimize the risk of spreading and contracting norovirus. If you are currently or have recently experienced vomiting and diarrhea, for example, avoid direct contact with people if possible and wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Instead, you should avoid using hand sanitizers because the physical structure of the virus makes it resistant to alcohol. Even after you feel better, you should avoid preparing food for others for a while because the virus can be shed in the stool for two weeks or longer.
While it may be difficult to prevent a partygoer from ignoring these tips, you can reduce your risk of contracting norovirus from food. Always wash fruits and vegetables and cook shellfish thoroughly. You should clean your kitchen utensils, cutting boards and surfaces regularly, especially after preparing shellfish. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after handling uncooked food, as norovirus or other food-borne germs can later be transferred to your mouth by accidentally touching your hands.
There are scientists and pharmaceutical companies working on a norovirus vaccine, and some are on the way late-stage clinical trials. So, with any luck, the norovirus nightmare will someday be a distant memory.
