Seven Things to Know About the Norovirus Surge

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Norovirus, also known as the stomach bug, is surging across the United States. 

Outbreaks of the virus spiked from 69 to 91 the week of December 5, 2024, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

This is a significant rise considering the same reporting period over the last several years showed 65 or less outbreaks per week.  

However, there are a growing number of cases that haven’t been reported, adding to the potential for spreading the virus. 

With outbreaks and cases on the rise, there are several things you should know about the norovirus surge and measures you can take to protect yourself and loved ones from getting sick. 

1. Norovirus is a Foodborne Illness

While norovirus is classified as a “stomach bug” or “stomach flu,” this virus isn’t transmitted through the air like COVID-19, according to the CDC.  

The virus is transmitted through contact with contaminated food. Conversely, you can get norovirus by coming into contact with someone with norovirus. 

Contact can include sharing food or utensils, or even eating food prepared by them.  

Norovirus can also be contracted through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.  

For instance, touching a table that has been used to prep contaminated food then putting your fingers in your mouth.  

What’s more, norovirus is very contagious, often spreading in places where people are physically close to one another, such as a hospital, school, or cruise ship. 

The CDC estimates 19 million to 21 million illnesses from norovirus every year. 

2. Norovirus Causes Gastrointestinal Health Issues

Norovirus impacts the stomach and intestines by causing inflammation, according to the CDC. 

Inflammation of the stomach and intestines can manifest in severe bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.  

Other symptoms can include fever, headache, and body aches.  

These symptoms can appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and usually run its course within three days.  

However, the virus can still be spread up to 2 or more weeks after symptoms disappear. 

3. Symptoms Can Lead to Hospitalization or Death

Norovirus symptoms cause 2.2 million outpatient medical visits, 465,000 emergency room visits, and 109,000 hospitalizations, according to Dr. Leana Wen, who is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University.  

One of the most pressing threats for those with norovirus is dehydration, especially for young children, the elderly, or individuals with other illnesses. 

Signs of dehydration include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, dizziness, crying with few or no tears, and unusual sleepiness or fussiness, according to the CDC.  

As for deaths, eating raw oysters and other shellfish that can have viruses and bacteria can lead to illness or death. Especially those who are younger than 5, elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. 

4. Washing Hands, Foods Can Help Prevent Norovirus

Norovirus is extremely contagious, so it is vital to take steps to protect yourself and others from getting the virus that causes the illness. 

The CDC recommends washing your hands well and often, especially when around food, cooking shellfish thoroughly, and washing fruits and vegetables to get rid of any virus-causing bacteria.  

To stop the spread of the virus, you should clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces such as tables or countertops and wash laundry in hot water.  

If sick or showing signs of symptoms, it is recommended that you stay home sick for 2 days after symptoms have ceased.   

5. Antibiotics Don’t Work Against Norovirus 

Antibiotics are given to treat bacterial infections and therefore will not work to treat norovirus.  

The remedy for norovirus is letting the virus run its course (1-3 days) and watch for worsening symptoms such as dehydration.  

Those dealing with the symptoms of norovirus should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost from vomiting and diarrhea to help with hydration.  

For those presenting signs of dehydration, seek immediate medical attention. In some cases, dehydration may call for fluids given through intravenous or IV fluids.  

6. There’s No Vaccine for Norovirus 

Unlike the flu or COVID-19, there is no vaccine to minimize the impact of norovirus. 

That hasn’t stopped researchers from trying to create one. 

Norovirus Vaccines: Current Clinical Development and Challenges, which was published on PubMed Central in 2021, examines some of these attempts to analyze the potential for a future vaccination against norovirus.  

Attempts have proven that it’s very difficult to manufacture a norovirus vaccine for several reasons, according to the research analysis.  

First, noroviruses are genetically and antigenically diverse. 

Noroviruses are made up of several different genogroups and genotypes with new variants springing up rapidly, making it difficult to reproduce.  

Second, noroviruses don’t grow in the same manner as influenza, making the cells difficult to keep alive to make a vaccine.  

Lastly, it’s been difficult to find a way to test a potential vaccine. 

But not all hope is lost.  

There are four candidate vaccines that have reached clinical trials, which could give way to vaccine sometime in the future. 

7. Importance of Clinical Trial Participation

Just like norovirus vaccine testing, clinical trials are an important vital part of testing any new drug, treatment, or therapy. 

Clinical trials are defined as studies with volunteers that explore ways to find, prevent, and treat cancer and other diseases.  

Additionally, these clinical trials may also act as a way to improve the quality of life for its volunteers, especially those with cancer. Cancer clinical trials may seek to reduce the side effects of treatment. 

But in order for a clinical trial to be successful and have the intended effect on an illness or disease, trials need volunteers – and volunteers can be hard for a study to come by.  

In fact, only 1 in 5 will diagnosed with cancer will seek a clinical trial.  

That number is drastically reduced for people of color, such as Latinos, who only account for just 10% of participants in clinical trials run by the National Cancer Institute and 4% of drug trials run by the FDA. 

To create a treatment or therapy that works for everyone, the clinical trial participant pool must be as diverse as possible.  

To find out more about clinical trials, visit the Salud America! clinical trials page.  

For cancer clinical trials in San Antonio, search the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio’s Find a Clinical Trial database to learn more about available trials and eligibility requirements. 

Nationally, visit clinicaltrials.gov to find a clinical trial near you.