February 10, 2023 – The variety of positive cases of norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness also referred to as the stomach flu, is rising within the United States.
Between August 1, 2022, and January 8, 2023, 225 norovirus outbreaks were reported to the CDC, in comparison with 172 outbreaks through the same period the previous season, based on CDC data.
The highest rate of positive tests is within the Midwest.
“While the number of norovirus cases in the United States is increasing, CDC data from January 2023 show that reported norovirus outbreaks are within the expected range for this time of year,” CDC spokeswoman Kate Grusich said, based on NBC News.
“The prevention measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic were likely effective in preventing norovirus outbreaks. As pandemic restrictions have been relaxed, the number of norovirus outbreaks has returned to levels similar to pre-pandemic levels.”
Although it is known as stomach flu, norovirus shouldn't be related to the flu. Symptoms of norovirus include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, and body aches.
There is not any treatment for norovirus, but doctors normally recommend that patients drink loads of fluids.
In England, norovirus rates are 66% higher than the common for the five seasons before the COVID pandemic, data from the UK Health Safety Authority shows. The largest increase in positive cases is amongst people aged 65 and over.