Norovirus Cases Are Surging, CDC Says: What To Know In MN

MINNESOTA — Norovirus is quickly spreading, exceeding past seasonal averages for outbreaks of the wretched stomach bug that sickens millions of people every year.

More than 40 norovirus outbreaks — often referred to as the "stomach flu" — have been reported in December, nearly double the typical number for this time of year, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

“Particularly ahead of holiday gatherings, we want to make sure people are aware of this increase in norovirus outbreaks and taking steps to prevent spreading illness to family or friends,” said Jessica Hancock-Allen, infectious disease division director at MDH.

Restaurants, schools, child care, long-term care and similar facilities should follow outbreak prevention guidelines and employee/attendee vomiting and diarrhea illness exclusions

Norovirus outbreaks spiked to 91 for the week ended Dec. 5, up from 69 in the last week in November, according to the latest available Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. In the past few years, a maximum of 65 outbreaks have been reported during the first week in December, the agency says.

The CDC says the 91 reported outbreaks are likely an undercount. State, local and territorial health departments aren’t required to report individual norovirus cases to the agency. Also, symptoms — violent diarrhea and vomiting — last for one to three days, and most people don’t seek medical treatment, the agency says.

Illnesses are going up across the nation.

In California, at least 80 people were sickened earlier this month at an event in Los Angeles celebrating the city’s top restaurants, the county’s Department of Public Health confirmed to ABC News. And last week, the Food and Drug Administration advised California restaurants and retailers not to serve or sell and consumers not to eat certain oysters contaminated with norovirus.

Norovirus causes 58 percent of foodborne illnesses in the United States, according to the CDC. Annually, between 19 million and 21 million norovirus illnesses are reported to the CDC, including 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths.

Outbreaks are common in restaurants and catered events, schools and daycare centers, health care facilities, cruise ships, jails, and any other place where people are close together.

Norovirus is highly contagious and is spread through direct contact with someone who is sick, sharing food or utensils with them, touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching their face or mouth, or by consuming contaminated foods or liquids.

Symptoms usually come on within 12 or 48 hours of becoming infected. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain, but also may include fever, headache and body aches.

There’s no antiviral medication for norovirus. The most important thing is to make sure people who have it get plenty of liquids. People who have norovirus may vomit or have diarrhea several times a day and are at risk of dehydration — especially in young children, older adults and people with other illnesses.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Decreased urination
• Dry mouth and throat
• Feeling dizzy when standing up
• Crying with few or no tears
• Unusual sleepiness or fussiness

The best way to prevent norovirus is to wash hands in hot, soapy water for 20 seconds after using the toilet, changing diapers and before eating, preparing or handling food. Hand sanitizer isn’t particularly effective at controlling the spread of the virus.

Also, thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables, and to cook shellfish to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent norovirus contamination.