Originally Published by ABC News
Cases of norovirus are spreading across the United States and are higher than usual at this point in this season, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of Feb. 9, more than 15% of weekly tests for norovirus are coming back positive, the highest seen since mid-March 2022. Additionally, 225 outbreaks have been recorded between Aug. 1, 2022 and Jan. 2, 2023, compared to 172 at this point last year, CDC data shows.
Norovirus has also been linked to outbreaks at two schools: an elementary school in Las Vegas and a preschool-grade 8 school in Livonia, Michigan — 20 miles west of Detroit.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the inside lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
Although it’s often referred to as the “stomach bug” or “stomach flu,” norovirus illness is not related to influenza.
In fact, it is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, causing 58% of foodborne illnesses each year, according to the CDC.
The most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. However, patients can also experience fever, headaches and body aches.
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