A new strain of norovirus, called GII.17, is responsible for the majority of outbreaks in the United States this season. The CDC reports that this strain is spreading rapidly, particularly on cruise ships, and may be contributing to the recent surge in cases.
A new strain of norovirus is now the majority cause of outbreaks nationwide, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The new strain's emergence, found spreading throughout the country and on cruise ships , offers a possible explanation for the past month's steep wave of infections from the stomach bug. Scientists call this winter's dominant norovirus strain GII.17 .
Samples from patients in nearly 7 in 10 norovirus outbreaks have tested positive for the new strain so far this season, according to data from a network of public health laboratories called CaliciNet. 'It is too early to tell if this strain is associated with more severe norovirus disease but likely lower population immunity is the reason for the early surge of an otherwise seasonal increase of this virus,' Jan Vinjé, head of the CDC's CaliciNet system, told CBS News in an email.All previous waves of norovirus in the U.S. since 2012 have been dominated by a different strain that scientists call GII.4, said Vinjé. This season, only around 7% of norovirus outbreaks have been linked to that GII.4 strain.Vinjé said that the GII.17 strain is behind outbreaks 'everywhere' across the country this season of the highly contagious virus, including on cruise ship outbreaks.The CDC tracked at least six norovirus outbreaks on vessels last month, marking the most reported in the month for over a decade. Norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. and almost always climbs around the country starting during the winter months. Many cases resolve on their own without needing to be tested or treated by doctors, making it impossible to know exactly how many Americans are sickened. However, virtually all data tracking the virus suggest norovirus is at peak levels throughout the country.Rates of positive norovirus tests from a different CDC network of laboratories have reached the highest weekly levels on record in year
Norovirus Outbreak GII.17 CDC Cruise Ships
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