Norovirus Cases Surge to Over Double Last Year’s Peak, CDC Reports
This winter, norovirus infections have surged to levels more than double last year’s peak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data released on Monday shows nearly 28% of norovirus tests during the week of New Year’s came back positive for the highly contagious virus, compared to a 13.52% positivity rate at the peak of last year’s season in March.
Tracking the Spread
Norovirus, a leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., causes symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Public health laboratories test stool samples from symptomatic individuals to track the virus, which can be detected up to 10 days after symptoms begin. The virus can also spread through contaminated food and drinks.
The current surge is widespread, with all regions of the U.S. reporting positivity rates at or above last season’s peak. The Midwest, spanning states from Kansas to Michigan, is experiencing the highest rates. Data from wastewater sampling and private testing further supports the trend, highlighting elevated levels in both the Midwest and the Northeast.
A New Norovirus Strain
Experts attribute this year’s steep and early surge to a newly dominant strain of norovirus, GII.17[P17], which has replaced the strain that dominated outbreaks for the past decade. This new strain has been implicated in more than 70% of outbreaks this season and has been detected nationwide, including in outbreaks on cruise ships.
Lower population immunity to GII.17[P17] may explain the intensity and timing of this year’s wave, which has peaked earlier than recent years. Typically, norovirus activity intensifies in colder months, with peaks in March or April. However, the pandemic disrupted usual seasonal patterns, and outbreaks are now peaking as early as December and January, as seen before the pandemic.
Conclusion
Norovirus continues to be a significant public health challenge, with this year’s unprecedented wave highlighting the impact of emerging strains. While most cases resolve without medical intervention, tracking trends remains essential for managing and mitigating the spread of this highly contagious virus.
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