Nasty Stomach Bug Cases Heave Upward In NYC, Northeast: CDC

NEW YORK CITY — Cases of a nasty stomach bug known as norovirus have spiked in recent weeks across New York City and other Northeast states, 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 gastroenteritis, anyone can become infected or sick with norovirus, according to the New York City 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.

According to CDC data published Feb. 22, the three-week average for positive norovirus tests in the Northeast region — which includes New York City — 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.

While New York City health officials don't track cases of norovirus, they do keep a database of symptoms associated with the virus including vomiting and diarrhea.

From October 2023 until February 2024, 55,488 people visited city emergency rooms with symptoms including vomiting. According to city data, vomiting cases peaked the week of Feb. 12 when 491 cases were reported. People reporting diarrhea symptoms also peaked the same week at 330.

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 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.

To prevent the spread of norovirus, New York City health officials recommend washing your hands with soap and water, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with bleach, and washing laundry with hot water.