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Rachel V Thomas

Norovirus Spreading Across US: What To Know About The Highly Contagious Vomiting Virus

The United States is once again witnessing a surge in <span>norovirus</span> infections, a highly contagious <span>gastrointestinal illness</span> that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Media reports noted that hikers along Southern California's Pacific Crest Trail have been hit by a fast-spreading outbreak of what is often referred to as the "winter vomiting disease".

At least two dozen hikers have fallen ill along the trail over the past two weeks, resulting in at least one air rescue. Health officials believe the cases are linked to norovirus, USA Today reported.

<h2>Wastewater Data Shows Rising Activity</h2>

According to data from <span>WastewaterSCAN</span>, a Stanford University-led program that tracks disease activity through wastewater testing, norovirus activity was "high" and on an upward trend nationwide in late May.

The surveillance data showed norovirus was detected in 100 per cent of samples collected during May, with concentrations particularly high in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the country.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/western-australia-records-22-mpox-infections-in-2026-seven-reported-last-week-article-154447578" data-type="tilCustomLink">Western Australia Records 22 Mpox Infections In 2026; Seven Reported Last Week</a>

In addition, the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System also showed that norovirus cases have increased over several weeks following a sharp seasonal decline that began in March.

About 11.2 per cent of administered norovirus tests returned positive during the week ending April 28. That figure rose to 12 per cent in the week ending May 2.

Norovirus is commonly associated with the colder months, when respiratory illnesses such as flu and the common cold are widespread.

However, health experts note that late-spring increases in norovirus activity are not unusual, and outbreaks can occur throughout the year due to the virus's highly contagious nature, the report said.

<h2>What Is Norovirus And Its Common Symptoms?</h2>

Norovirus causes viral gastroenteritis, sometimes called “stomach flu” or a “stomach bug,” though it isn’t related to influenza. As per Mayo Clinic, it consists of several strains of RNA viruses that inflame the stomach and intestines, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Symptoms usually appear one to two days after exposure and often include:

<ul><li>Nausea</li><li>Vomiting (non-bloody)</li><li>Watery diarrhea</li><li>Stomach cramps</li><li>Dehydration (rare but possible)</li><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Body aches</li></ul>

Most people recover within one to three days, though they can still spread the virus for up to two weeks after feeling better.

Read More:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/john-barnes-bobby-davro-diagnosed-with-prostate-cancer-even-as-uk-rules-out-universal-screening-article-154451029" data-type="tilCustomLink"> John Barnes, Bobby Davro Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer Even As UK Rules Out Universal Screening</a>

Anyone can get infected. Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the US, affecting all ages. Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with existing health conditions are more vulnerable.

<strong>How Does Norovirus Spread?</strong>

Norovirus spreads very easily. It survives well in the environment, and only a minuscule amount is enough to infect someone. In fact, just a few particles on the head of a pin can infect over 1,000 people.

<strong>Exposure can happen through:</strong>

<ul><li>Eating contaminated water or food, especially leafy greens, fresh fruit, and shellfish like oysters</li><li>Contact with vomit or fecal particles from someone who is infected, either by touching them directly or by touching contaminated surfaces, utensils, or toys.</li></ul>

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The United States is once again witnessing a surge in norovirus infections, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea.Media reports noted that hikers along Southern California's Pacific Crest Trail have been hit by a fast-spreading outbreak of what is often referred to as the "winter vomiting disease".At least two dozen hikers have fallen ill along the trail over the past two weeks, resulting in at least one air rescue. Health officials believe the cases are linked to norovirus, USA Today reported.Wastewater Data Shows Rising ActivityAccording to data from WastewaterSCAN, a Stanford University-led program that tracks disease activity through wastewater testing, norovirus activity was "high" and on an upward trend nationwide in late May.The surveillance data showed norovirus was detected in 100 per cent of samples collected during May, with concentrations particularly high in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the country.CDC Reports Increase In CasesAlso read: Western Australia Records 22 Mpox Infections In 2026; Seven Reported Last WeekIn addition, the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System also showed that norovirus cases have increased over several weeks following a sharp seasonal decline that began in March.About 11.2 per cent of administered norovirus tests returned positive during the week ending April 28. That figure rose to 12 per cent in the week ending May 2.Norovirus is commonly associated with the colder months, when respiratory illnesses such as flu and the common cold are widespread.However, health experts note that late-spring increases in norovirus activity are not unusual, and outbreaks can occur throughout the year due to the virus's highly contagious nature, the report said.What Is Norovirus And Its Common Symptoms?Norovirus causes viral gastroenteritis, sometimes called “stomach flu” or a “stomach bug,” though it isn’t related to influenza. As per Mayo Clinic, it consists of several strains of RNA viruses that inflame the stomach and intestines, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.Symptoms usually appear one to two days after exposure and often include:NauseaVomiting (non-bloody)Watery diarrheaStomach crampsDehydration (rare but possible)FeverHeadacheBody achesMost people recover within one to three days, though they can still spread the virus for up to two weeks after feeling better.Read More: John Barnes, Bobby Davro Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer Even As UK Rules Out Universal ScreeningWho Gets Norovirus?Anyone can get infected. Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the US, affecting all ages. Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with existing health conditions are more vulnerable.How Does Norovirus Spread?Norovirus spreads very easily. It survives well in the environment, and only a minuscule amount is enough to infect someone. In fact, just a few particles on the head of a pin can infect over 1,000 people.Exposure can happen through:Eating contaminated water or food, especially leafy greens, fresh fruit, and shellfish like oystersContact with vomit or fecal particles from someone who is infected, either by touching them directly or by touching contaminated surfaces, utensils, or toys.

norovirus spreading across us: what to know about the highly contagious vomiting virus

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