Norovirus, sometimes called “winter vomiting disease” or “two-bucket disease” (because it causes both vomiting and diarrhea), is increasing across the country at the same time that the seasonal flu is gaining strength and atypical pneumonia continues to wreak havoc.
Wastewater data and reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shown a significant increase in norovirus in recent weeks, with rates far exceeding those of recent years.
At least 91 outbreaks were recorded the week of December 5, more than double the maximum number of outbreaks recorded in the same period in recent years.
What is norovirus?
Noroviruses have been called “the perfect human pathogens.” They are a highly contagious type of stomach virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, as well as headache, fever, and body aches. It spreads quickly and over long distances on surfaces and through the air. in small drops of vomit. Most people make a full recovery, but only after days of suffering. Because it mutates, people can get sick from norovirus every year.
Outbreaks can occur at any time, but are usually most common from November to April.
The virus is transmitted through vomiting and diarrhea. It is spread by direct contact with someone who has norovirus or by touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your fingers in your mouth. Contaminated food or liquids can also spread the virus.
Shellfish, especially oysters and clams, are also known to spread the virus, because they are filter feeders and can accumulate the virus from raw sewage that flows into their habitats.
What are the symptoms of norovirus? How long do they last?
Symptoms begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last approximately 1 to 3 days. Even after recovering, infected people can be contagious for two more weeks.
One of the dangers of prolific vomiting and diarrhea is fluid loss, which can lead to severe dehydration. This is something to pay attention to in children and the elderly in particular: children may not produce tears when they cry or may be unusually restless or sleepy if they are dehydrated.
There is no specific medication used to treat the disease. Instead, symptoms can be managed with oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte, which can help restore fluids and electrolytes lost from the body.
Why is norovirus so difficult to kill?
The most reliable way to stop the spread is to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially if you are preparing food or after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
Hand sanitizer is not very effective against norovirus. While many viruses are contained in “envelopes” that are made of fat and can be broken down with alcohol-based disinfectants, norovirus is contained in a tough protein shell called a capsid. It is not removed as easily with alcohol-based disinfectants.
Cruise ships, which had a breakout year in 2024, are often associated with norovirus due to close quarters and shared facilities, but the virus is not limited to cruise ships. Nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, and preschools can be risky places.
Avoiding raw or undercooked seafood can also reduce the risk of infection. Since norovirus can survive temperatures up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit (62 degrees Celsius), steaming it quickly will not kill it.
Even if you have had norovirus before, you can get infected every year, since There are many different types of this bacteriadue to the rapid mutation rate seen in RNA viruses such as norovirus.
Norovirus is significantly difficult to clean because it can remain on surfaces for weeks or months. It is important to use gloves and bleach to disinfect a contaminated surface, such as one that has been in contact with vomit or diarrhea. The bleach should be left on the area for at least five minutes.
Use disposable paper towels, rather than reusable cloths, to clean a contaminated surface.
Clothing or bedding worn by a person with norovirus should be handled with gloves and washed with detergent and hot water for as long as possible at the highest temperature.
There is currently no approved vaccine against norovirus, although Moderna has started a phase three trial in the United States for a vaccine using mRNA technology and aims to test it in 25,000 adults worldwide. Norovirus causes around 200,000 deaths worldwide each year.
