Norovirus cases skyrocket across US, here's how to avoid the stomach bug

The number of suspected or confirmed outbreaks skyrocketed at the end of 2024, with more than 91 norovirus outbreaks reported by state health departments by the first week of December, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Norovirus is responsible for about 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths each year in the U.S., mostly affecting adults over 65 years old, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).

About one in 15 Americans will get norovirus annually, and one out of 160 children will be hospitalized.

"Norovirus is extremely contagious, and is usually transmitted between people via close contact, but often via surfaces, utensils or foods that are contaminated with the virus," the doctor warned. 

Fox News senior medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel also weighed in, telling Fox News Digital that norovirus spreads "easily through food and food handling."

"There is no treatment except to stay well-hydrated," the doctor added. "[It] generally lasts around 3 days."

Neilsen agreed that most people will recover from norovirus in one to three days without any treatment, but others could experience more severe symptoms like dehydration, which "could require medical attention."

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

Steps to avoid norovirus are similar to preventing any other foodborne illness, Neilsen shared.

"Wash your hands, thoroughly cook your food at the recommended temperatures, properly clean and disinfect surfaces, and avoid contact with others if sick," he advised.

The doctor reiterated how cases in the U.S. have been rising since 2023, but there is no clear research into the reasons why.

"The combination of indoor spaces, close contact and crowding is why norovirus thrives in environments like schools, daycares and cruise ships," he said. 

Norovirus can be difficult to kill, Neilsen noted. He recommends using bleach to clean contaminated surfaces.

Some people may still be contagious after recovery. Experts recommend proceeding with caution and continuing disinfection routines.