Contagious Stomach Bug Spreading Across NJ, Northeast: CDC

NEW JERSEY — Cases of a nasty stomach bug known as norovirus have spiked in recent weeks across several Northeast states, including New Jersey, according to recent data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Often called the "stomach flu" or "food poisoning," anyone can become infected or sick with norovirus, according to the New Jersey Department of 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, health officials said. It also spreads through the feces and vomit of an infected person.

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.

Despite the uptick in cases, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Public Health said the Garden State is seeing expected levels of norovirus activity for this time of year. According to state health officials, norovirus outbreaks tend to occur most frequently during the late fall, winter and early spring.

New Jersey health officials said the state has recorded 23 norovirus outbreaks this year compared to 52 during the same period in 2022.

State health officials said outbreaks occur most frequently in health are settings, schools and daycares.

Earlier this year, Irving School in Highland Park was forced to close after a "gastrointestinal outbreak," school officials told NJ Advance Media. Officials did not say whether norovirus was specifically to blame.

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.

There is no treatment 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.

To prevent the spread of norovirus, the New Jersey Department of Health recommends washing your hands with soap and water, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with bleach, and washing laundry with hot water.