Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, affects millions of individuals globally, causing significant health issues. Each year, it sickens between 19 million and 21 million people in the United States alone, sending nearly half a million to the emergency room. Worldwide, the numbers are even more staggering, with 685 million people falling ill annually. Recent reports highlight a sharp increase in norovirus outbreaks in the U.S., nearly doubling this season with 1,078 reported cases between August 2024 and January 2025.
The persistence and resilience of norovirus make it a formidable adversary. After symptoms ease, the virus can remain in the digestive tract for weeks, and individuals may continue to be contagious for up to a month. Norovirus can survive on surfaces for extended periods, presenting ongoing risks in public and private spaces. This resilience is compounded by the billions of particles shed by infected individuals, which can spread through contaminated food and water.
Certain foods can unwittingly become carriers of the virus. Mollusks, such as oysters, can filter contaminated water and retain the virus in their tissues. Proper cooking to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit is essential to kill the virus, with bleach and heat also proving effective against it. However, you are most contagious while experiencing symptoms and shortly afterward. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises individuals to stay home for 48 hours post-symptoms to prevent further transmission.
Developing antiviral treatments for norovirus is challenging due to its varying strains. Experts like Mary K. Estes, PhD, emphasize the complexity of this task.
"There are different [norovirus] strains," said Estes.
Despite these challenges, progress continues as scientists diligently work towards solutions.
"We will solve this ultimately, but it's a smaller group of scientists working on it globally. We've made a lot of progress," stated Estes.
One of the major hurdles in controlling norovirus outbreaks is human behavior. Many individuals underestimate the longevity of their contagiousness and prematurely return to public life.
“People forget that they were sick,” remarked Mary K. Estes, PhD.
This oversight contributes significantly to the spread of the virus. Awareness about the prolonged period one remains contagious could substantially reduce transmission rates.
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