Government data reveals a significant increase in norovirus outbreaks across the United States during the winter months. The highly contagious stomach bug is causing widespread illness, particularly on cruise ships and in crowded settings.
Cases of norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug, are surging in parts of the United States this winter, according to government data. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 91 norovirus outbreaks during the week of Dec. 5, up from 69 outbreaks the last week of November. The CDC notes that this is higher than the maximum of 65 outbreaks reported during that first week of December in previous years. A norovirus infection is characterized by sudden vomiting and diarrhea.
Outbreaks are often seen on cruise ships, in congregate living situations like nursing homes and jails, as well as schools and places where people are close together. Earlier this month, hundreds of cruise passengers fell ill with norovirus on three different ships, according to the CDC, which recorded outbreaks of the virus on 14 cruises overall this year. December has seen the highest number of cruise ship outbreaks in a month compared with any other month in 2024. Cases are also ticking up on land. The Minnesota Department of Health recently logged 40 cases of norovirus, which is twice the usual number for December. Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for 58% of such infections acquired in the country each year, according to the CDC. Dr. Leana Wen, the former health commissioner in Baltimore, shared some best practices for people to protect themselves against the disease. 'Wash your hands, really well, especially if you're going to buffets. Wash your hands if you're touching commonly touched surfaces, before you touch your mouth, before you touch your nose,' said Wen. 'Norovirus is the most common foodborne illness here in the U.S. It's very hard to avoid once it's in your family.
NOROVIRUS HEALTH OUTBREAK FOODBORNE ILLNESS WINTER
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