Contagious Stomach Bug Spreading Across VA, South: CDC

VIRGINIA — Cases of a nasty stomach bug known as norovirus have spiked in recent weeks across several southern U.S. states, including Virginia, 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 Virginia 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 South region, which includes Virginia, climbed to almost 9.6 percent in recent weeks and has remained above 7 percent since the middle of December 2o23.

A total of three norovirus outbreaks have been reported in Virginia between September 2023 and January 2024, according to CDC data.

Norovirus cases remain low in the southern United States compared to other parts of the country. In the Northeast, positive cases averaged around 13.4 percent, while the West hovered around 12 percent and the Midwest near 10 percent.

When infected with norovirus, symptoms usually begin suddenly and last for one to three days, according to Virginia health officials. 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 a month after recovery.

There is no treatment for norovirus, health officials said.

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, Virginia 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.