Why is Norovirus so bad this year? Cases surge across the US

Norovirus cases are on the rise this winter, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What is Norovirus? 

Big picture view:

Norovirus is a stomach bug that is short-lived, but highly contagious. Norovirus cases sudden nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and is most common between November and April when people are more frequently in close quarters. 

You usually hear about cases on cruise ships or at places of communal living like college dormitories or schools. But more and more people are getting the virus across the country. 

Why are Norovirus cases so high this year? 

By the numbers:

Medstar Health's Urgent Care is seeing cases up five to ten percent over last year. 

Nearly 23 percent of people tested positive for Norovirus at the end of December in a sampling from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of clinical laboratories across the United States – up from the typical peak of 10 to 15 percent.  

Big picture view:

Norovirus levels dropped during the pandemic, thanks to masking and social distancing practices. But in recent years, numbers have been on the rise. 

A new strain of Norovirus, GII.17[P17], could be the reason. This winter's dominant Norovirus strain now makes up a majority of outbreaks across the U.S., according to CDC data. 

Some health officials are warning of a possible quaddemic – referring to a surge of COVID, RSV, flu and stomach bugs like norovirus. 

How can I protect myself?

What you can do:

Rigorous and frequent handwashing is the best defense against norovirus during the peak winter season, scrubbing the hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before meals.

Scrubbing surfaces with household disinfectants can also help.

The Source: This article contains information from the CDC, as well as reporting from the Associated Press and FOX 5 DC's Shirin Rajaee. 

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