Nasty Stomach Bug Cases Spike In Connecticut, Northeast: CDC

CONNECTICUT — Cases of a nasty stomach bug known as norovirus have spiked in recent weeks across Connecticut and other Northeast states, according to recent data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Norovirus is a contagious virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain. It spreads from physical contact and through contaminated foods and surfaces. Outbreaks are common due to it being so contagious, according to Stamford Health.

Norovirus is often spread through direct contact with an infected person, eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with the virus, or touching contaminated surfaces, according to health officials. It also spreads through the feces and vomit of an infected person.

According to CDC data published Feb. 22, the three-week average for positive norovirus tests in the Northeast region — which includes Connecticut — reached 13.9 percent in recent weeks and has remained above 10 percent since the middle of December 2o23.

In other parts of the country, the West averaged 12 percent positivity, while the Midwest hovered around 10 percent and the South near 9.5 percent.

The state Department of Public Health does not track individual cases of norovirus in Connecticut, according to a department spokesperson reached by email Friday.

In February 2023, the DPH reported a norovirus outbreak at a school in Connecticut, during which a total of 164 people reported illnesses, including 127 students and 39 staff. The outbreak resulted in an overall attack rate of 25.3 percent of students and 35.5 percent of staff.

Cases were reported from all grades (6 – 12), as well as from staff in multiple departments, according to the DPH. More information about that case is available here.

When infected with norovirus, symptoms usually begin suddenly and last for one or two days, health officials said. In addition to vomiting and diarrhea, symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache and body aches.

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There are no treatments for norovirus.

About 19 to 21 million norovirus illnesses are reported in the United States each year, according to the CDC. Most illnesses commonly occur between November and April. Norovirus causes about 109,000 hospitalizations each year and 900 deaths, most commonly among older adults, the CDC said.

According to Stamford Health, the best defense against norovirus is frequent handwashing, especially in public, however hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus. Health officials also advise making sure fruits and vegetables are carefully washed and shellfish is thoroughly cooked.