Contagious Stomach Bug Spreading Across PA, Northeast: CDC

PENNSYLVANIA — Cases of a nasty stomach bug known as norovirus have spiked in recent weeks across several Northeast states, including Pennsylvania, 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," anyone can become infected or sick with norovirus, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Public 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 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.

Between 2011 and 2021, there were 1,200 reported norovirus outbreaks in Pennsylvania, according to the CDC. More than 46,600 people were sickened and 569 were hospitalized, the CDC said. A total of 62 people died, according to the agency.

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea and foodborne illness in the United States, according to the CDC.

When infected with norovirus, symptoms usually begin suddenly and last for one or two days, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. In addition to vomiting and diarrhea, symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, fatigue and body aches.

People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill until at least three days after recovery, state health officials said. Some people may be contagious for as long as two weeks after recovery.

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, Pennsylvania health officials recommend washing your hands with soap and water, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and washing laundry with hot water.