The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Norovirus outbreaks 2023 are higher than anticipated in some regions of the United States.
Some areas of the US are suffering from stomach flu symptoms.
The norovirus outbreak
Norovirus season is having the greatest impact on the Midwest. The testing positivity rate stood at 19.48% as of February 4. This rate is already higher that the 16.12% recorded in the late season of April 2, 2022.
NoroSTAT (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s viral reporting program) shows that Norovirus trends are higher than expected in other regions.
The term "stomach flu" isn't usually associated with influenza. It is more commonly a norovirus-related illness. This highly contagious gastrointestinal illness can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea for several days. It can even cause death in extreme cases.
Norovirus does not cause respiratory symptoms, unlike the flu. According to the CDC, it spreads through contact with fecal or vomit particles.
While Norovirus can be found throughout the year, its best season is November through April. It seems to have increased its numbers in this year.
Between Aug. 1, 2022 and Jan. 8, 20,23, the CDC reported 225 norovirus outbreaks. This is 30% more than last year's 172 outbreaks. This is bad news to hospitals, clinics and other health care providers, who already struggle to find resources three-years into a pandemic.
Current trends, according to the CDC are in the expected range. Some regions are seeing an increase in norovirus cases early in the season. It is vital that you remain alert.
The West's positive rate is 13.422%, which is only a few cases away from beating last year's 13.49%. This rate was reached in the final week of April, when norovirus season had ended.
While the Northeastern and Southern regions are now at par with 2022's, residents need to be cautious as there are still two months left.
The NoroSTAT Midwestern Region covers Kansas, Nebraska, North and South Dakotas. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan are also included.
Line graph showing the percentage positive tests in the United States.
The Southern region of NoroSTAT includes Florida, Georgia, South Carolinas, Maryland and Delaware, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama.
Line graph showing the percentage positive tests in the United States.
NoroSTAT Western Region covers Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah.
Line graph showing the percentage positive tests in the United States.
NoroSTAT Northeastern covers Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire. New York, Pennsylvania. New Jersey. Rhode Island. Connecticut.
A doctor who cares for a sick child.
CDC: You should be aware of stomach flu symptoms as norovirus spreads across the US
The CDC's NoroSTAT data tracking program tracks data from 14 US states, including Alabama and Massachusetts, as well as Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Michigan. New Mexico, North Carolina. Ohio. South Carolina. Tennessee. Virginia. Wisconsin.
The agency estimates that between 19 and 20 millions Americans get the bug every year. This leads to approximately 465,000 children being admitted to the emergency room, 109,000 hospital admissions and 900 deaths in older patients.
There is no cure for norovirus infections, but it can be prevented with good hygiene and handwashing. Patients who are sick should consume water and electrolyte beverages, as well as bland foods. For those with gastroenteritis, anti-nausea and fever-reducing medication might be beneficial.
Even though symptoms can disappear in a few days, stomach flu sufferers should be cautious when sharing their symptoms with others. According to the CDC, the virus can spread for several days.
norovirus,norovirus epidemic,norovirus uk,norovirus uk 2023. Stomach flu nhs. Stomach flu symptoms. Stomach flu treatment.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) norovirus data shows an increase in norovirus cases. This is a serious infectious cause of diarrhoea/vomiting.
