New Jersey reported a significant increase in norovirus outbreaks in December 2024 compared to the previous year. The state Department of Health documented 70 outbreaks in December 2024, a sharp rise from 15 in December 2023. While individual cases are not reportable, the DOH noted 195 outbreaks for the entire year 2024, up from 189 in 2023. Experts suggest the true number of infections is likely higher due to under-reporting.
There were 70 norovirus or norovirus-like outbreaks reported to the state Department of Health in December, up from just 15 in December 2023, a spokesperson said.
Individual cases are not reportable, and many people do not receive diagnostic testing when sickened with norovirus, so it’s likely the true scope of infections is higher than outbreaks reported to the Department of Health.in virus load starting in November at treatment plants in Union Beach, Oakhurst, and Belmar. Sites in Newark and Bridgeton showed slower increases.
The definition of an outbreak varies slightly by facility type, a Department of Health spokesperson said. In general, any amount of sickness above typical levels is considered an outbreak. In schools, any two or more cases tied to a common exposure is considered an outbreak, the spokesperson said.Nationally, there were 91 outbreaks across the 14 states that report data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the week of Dec. 5, the most recently available data.
Contact with very small amount of the virus can cause the illness, said Dr. James Penn, a gastroenterologist at Hackensack Meridian Health’s JFK University Medical Center.
Norovirus Outbreaks Infections Public Health Virus
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