Current surge in reported norovirus instances
Current surge in reported norovirus instances
There's one party guest you'd rather avoid this New Year's Eve: norovirus. Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that norovirus outbreaks are sprouting up all over the United States.
The CDC's latest surveillance reveals that 91 norovirus outbreaks occurred nationwide during the first week of December, which is quite a significant increase compared to previous weeks. However, this data only provides a narrow glimpse of the actual extent of norovirus in the U.S. at the moment. In 2024, there were particularly high instances of norovirus cases, more so than usual.
Though norovirus is often synonymous with cruise ships, it's actually a formidable source of stomach upset everywhere. The highly contagious virus is the primary culprit behind foodborne illness in the U.S., typically leaving individuals bedridden or in the bathroom with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and flu-like symptoms that can last up to three days. Although rare, about 100,000 Americans are hospitalized annually due to norovirus.
Like many other illnesses, norovirus took a short break during the early stages of the covid-19 pandemic, thanks to increased social distancing. However, as people's lives and social habits have largely returned to normal, norovirus and other pathogens have made an unwelcome return. In comparison to typical trends, however, 2024 still stands out as an exceptional year for norovirus infections.
According to the CDC, there were 495 norovirus outbreaks reported in the U.S. between August and December this year, which is considerably higher than the 363 norovirus outbreaks reported during those same months in 2023. Norovirus cases can occur any time, but the disease tends to peak between November and April in the U.S. And the reported outbreaks so far this season exceed the range observed during the same time period in past recent seasons, dating back to 2012.
These statistics only provide part of the full story. The CDC's surveillance system only includes outbreaks reported by health departments in 14 states (a comprehensive list can be found here). Moreover, most cases of norovirus go unreported because people typically choose to endure their symptoms without seeking medical attention. Therefore, outside of outbreaks that can be traced to a specific food source (such as a recent outbreak involving certain oysters), it's challenging to determine when and where norovirus is currently spreading.
Another significant factor is our limited immunity to norovirus. Multiple strains of disease-causing norovirus circulate at any given time, and being recently infected by one strain may not provide protection against others. Moreover, our immunity to a specific strain tends to weaken over time, lasting only a few months for some unlucky individuals.
Fortunately, individuals can take measures to decrease their risk of spreading and contracting norovirus. For instance, if you're currently experiencing or have recently had vomiting and diarrhea, it's advisable to avoid direct contact with people if possible, consistently wash your hands with soap and water, and avoid preparing food for others even after you've recovered, as the virus can be present in feces for two weeks or longer.
While it may be challenging to avoid a party crasher ignoring these suggestions, taking precautions can reduce your risk of contracting norovirus from food. It's essential to always wash fruits and vegetables and cook shellfish thoroughly, regularly clean your kitchen utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces, especially after preparing shellfish, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw food to avoid inadvertently spreading the virus to your mouth later.
Scientists and pharmaceutical companies are actively working on developing norovirus vaccines, with some set to enter advanced clinical trials. Here's hoping that the norovirus nightmare will one day become a distant memory.
The increase in norovirus outbreaks highlights the need for advancements in medical technology and science. In the future, with successful clinical trials of norovirus vaccines, health improvements could significantly decrease norovirus-related hospitalizations.
Given the high number of norovirus cases annually and the virus's persistent circulation, investing in technology and science related to health and medicine is crucial for a healthier future.