Norovirus is spreading earlier again this year, wastewater data shows

Nationwide Norovirus Outbreak Spreads Earlier This Year as Holiday Season Approaches

As the holiday season fast approaches, Americans are facing an unexpected challenge: a rapidly spreading outbreak of norovirus. According to wastewater data, the highly contagious virus has been on the rise since mid-October, with a 69% increase in nationwide concentrations as of November 21.

Norovirus, commonly known as the "winter vomiting disease," is a human-only illness that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that between August and November last year, there were 235 reported outbreaks, with no corresponding drop-off in this year's data. This season has seen a staggering 153 outbreaks over the same period.

Experts attribute the early outbreak to a new variant of norovirus, GII.17. While it may not be more contagious than its predecessor, GII.4, which dominated the disease for decades, some researchers believe that the increased prevalence of immunity among the population could be contributing to the faster spread.

"This is one of the big questions in our scientific community," Dr. Robert Atmar, a professor at Baylor College of Medicine, noted. "Whether it's going to persist this year or not." Norovirus outbreaks typically peak between November and April but have been happening earlier than usual this season.

So, how can you protect yourself from norovirus? While there is no vaccine available yet, the CDC recommends washing your hands with soap thoroughly, cleaning infected areas with diluted bleach, and cooking oysters and shellfish properly. It's also essential to maintain good hygiene practices when handling fruits and vegetables.

Symptoms of norovirus typically last a few days but can be severe for certain groups, such as older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. Medical attention is often required in these cases.

As the outbreak continues, the CDC is closely monitoring the situation, tracking data through voluntary reporting from clinical laboratories and health departments. However, wastewater analysis offers a unique perspective on community spread, providing an "unbiased way of looking at what's happening."

The CDC estimates that 20 million people contract norovirus each year in the United States alone, making it one of the most significant causes of foodborne illnesses. This season has brought renewed attention to the importance of hand hygiene and maintaining good health habits as we head into the holiday season.

Stay informed about this developing story and follow public health guidelines to minimize your risk of infection.

ugh, another norovirus outbreak . i mean, can't we just get a break from all these stomach bugs already? the fact that it's spreading so early is crazy - i'm not sure if its the new variant or people just being more reckless with their hygiene (looking at you, holiday shoppers ). anyway, the CDC's tips are always good to remember: wash those hands thoroughly and cook your oysters properly, please . it's wild that we're talking about this during the holidays when everyone is supposed to be all warm and fuzzy with their loved ones... like, can't we just enjoy our eggnog without worrying about getting sick?

I'm getting so over norovirus outbreaks ! Like, I know it's a thing that happens every year, but can't they just make a vaccine already? The fact that this new GII.17 variant is spreading faster and making people more sick is really concerning. I've had friends who've been affected by norovirus before, and it's no joke .

I'm not sure if it's because people are getting more immune or whatnot, but seriously, can't we just wash our hands enough? It's not that hard to prevent the spread of this thing. I've been seeing a lot of articles about how important hand hygiene is right now, and honestly, I'm like "duh" .

I do think it's cool that they're using wastewater analysis to track the spread of norovirus, though . It's like, a fresh perspective on something we've all been dealing with for years. Anyway, I just want everyone to stay safe and healthy this holiday season .

I'm kinda glad that norovirus is getting some extra attention now that the holidays are coming up . I mean, think about it - all those crowded restaurants and parties are basically just breeding grounds for germs. It's like our bodies are just begging to get sick . And honestly, hand-washing with soap? That's not exactly rocket science. It's time we took personal responsibility for our own health instead of expecting the CDC to save us . Plus, if 20 million people contract norovirus each year already... why are we so surprised when it happens again?

This new norovirus variant is supposed to be less contagious, but if immunity rates are higher due to some reason, it's still gonna spread faster... Like, what's the point of having a less contagious virus if people just aren't as susceptible in the first place? Also, 20 million people getting sick from norovirus each year is wild... I wonder how many cases are actually reported and not counted. And isn't it weird that there's no vaccine available yet? Shouldn't we be working on a vaccine by now?

man... thinkin' 'bout all these ppl gettin infected with norovirus... makes u wonder how we're all connected, ya know? one person's gotta go out and wash hands, but what if the next person touches a surface they didn't clean properly? it's like this never-ending cycle of germs. & now that we got this new variant spreadin' fast, it just highlights how adaptable these viruses can be & at the same time, it's kinda heartening to see ppl comin together, sharing info & takin care of each other... but what if our efforts aren't enough? are we just delaying the inevitable? anywayz, gotta stay vigilant this holiday season

idk why ppl get all worked up over norovirus . it's just a virus that makes u puke and crap some more... and honestly, if u r healthy, it's not like it's gonna kill u or anything . experts say it might be the new variant tho, which is weird cuz it doesn't seem to spread any faster than the old one . but let's be real, we're all just gonna wash our hands and cook oysters properly and call it a day ... who needs a vaccine when u got soap and water?

The rapid spread of norovirus is super concerning, especially with the holiday season approaching . I think one major issue here is that we're seeing a new variant of the virus, which could be contributing to its increased prevalence. The fact that some researchers believe immunity in the population might also play a role is interesting - it's like our bodies have a bit of a "reset" button for norovirus .

I'm not surprised that outbreaks are happening earlier than usual, though. Our hands-on approach to life (pun intended) can sometimes catch up with us . But seriously, these tips from the CDC on good hygiene practices are spot on - washing your hands thoroughly, cleaning infected areas properly... it's all about being mindful of how we spread germs .

The thing that worries me most is the impact on vulnerable groups, like older adults and young children. They're more susceptible to severe symptoms, so it's essential we take extra precautions to protect them .

omg i was literally just thinking about how gross norovirus is u guys think it's weird that the new variant is spreading so fast? like i get that some ppl might have immunity but still...i dont wanna be one of those people who gets sick over the holidays what's up with the lack of a vaccine tho? can't they just make one already?! anyway, gotta wash my hands like 100x a day now

Ugh , can't believe it's norovirus season again! Every year it feels like just when you think it's over, a new wave hits . I'm all about washing those hands with soap and being extra careful about handling food, especially oysters and shellfish . It's crazy that 20 million people get sick from this each year in the States alone... what can we do? Need to stay vigilant and prioritize our health during the holidays!

man... another flu season and now norovirus is spreading like wildfire? i'm really worried about our elders, they're already vulnerable enough without this added stress . but honestly, i think we need to take responsibility for our own health too . like, wash those hands regularly, cook your food properly, and for goodness sake... don't touch your face !

I'm really concerned about this norovirus outbreak! I mean, 69% increase in nationwide concentrations is crazy. We should be preparing for a longer period than just the holiday season. What if it spreads more due to all the gatherings and crowded places? Let's hope they find that new variant and can contain it soon.

And why isn't there a vaccine available yet? It's unbelievable that 20 million people get infected every year in the US alone. Hand washing is essential, but what about cooked foods like oysters and shellfish? Shouldn't we have better food safety measures in place?

It's interesting to know that wastewater analysis provides an unbiased view of community spread. Maybe it can help track this outbreak more effectively. The CDC needs to step up their game and share updates regularly so people are informed and prepared.

Let's all be vigilant about our health and hygiene practices, especially during the holidays when we're more likely to be around others. Stay safe!

OMG u guys, I'm so worried about norovirus ! I know it's like, super contagious and stuff, but i was thinking maybe we can share our fave ways to stay healthy during the holidays? Like, i swear by washing my hands like 10x a day with soap, and also cooking oysters properly is a must for me . And OMG have u heard of that new norovirus GII.17 variant? I'm not even a scientist, but it sounds kinda scary... Anyways, let's all just be careful out there and follow the CDC guidelines, 'kay?

Ugh, can you believe this? Norovirus outbreak spreading like crazy right before our eyes . I mean, what's the point of even having a forum for people to share info if we can't trust the info itself? This CDC stuff is all over the place - new variant, old variant, immunity levels... it's like they're just making it up as they go along .

And don't even get me started on the lack of transparency. We're supposed to be following public health guidelines and staying informed, but where are we actually getting our info from? These wastewater data things that are supposed to provide an "unbiased" look at community spread... yeah right . It's just another excuse for them to keep messing around with their reports.

And what about those 20 million people who contract norovirus every year in the US? That's like, a whole population just sitting ducks . I mean, where is the accountability? Where are the solutions?

Anyway, whatever, I guess we're all just stuck dealing with this mess now . Just remember to wash your hands and all that jazz... but honestly, who even knows what's effective anymore .

OMG I'm like totally freaked out about this norovirus outbreak! I mean, who wants to be stuck on the toilet all day with severe diarrhea and vomiting? And it's happening right before the holidays when we're supposed to be having fun with family and friends... not being sick .

So like, what can we do to protect ourselves? Hand washing is like super important, right? And I'm also going to make sure to clean up after anyone who's been vomiting in my house . But seriously though, how did this new variant of norovirus become so prevalent so quickly? Was it because we've been exposed to it too many times before and our immune systems aren't as strong as they used to be? And what about the fact that there's no vaccine available yet? That's just terrifying!

It's crazy how a flu-like virus like norovirus can spread so fast , especially during holidays when people are all crammed together in close spaces. I think it's interesting that some researchers think the new variant might be more resilient due to people having immunity from previous outbreaks... or maybe we just need a better vaccine . The CDC's tips on hand hygiene and cooking are super obvious but, you know, gotta remind us all! I mean, 20 million people get norovirus every year in the US alone? That's insane! We really need to take this seriously and prioritize our health during peak season

omg can you believe this is happening again? like, i know its winter and all but ugh a norovirus outbreak sounds super stressful especially with the holidays coming up. i'm just worried about my grandparents they're always dealing with stuff like this. do you think we should be stocking up on hand sanitizer or something?

I'm getting so sick of these norovirus outbreaks every year ! It's like, can't we just have a peaceful winter season without getting our butts kicked by a tiny little virus? I mean, I know it's not the most pleasant thing to deal with, but come on. The CDC is always like "wash your hands" and "be clean", but what about all the times we can't even get a decent night's sleep because someone in our household has been barfing up their lunch?

And don't even get me started on how the holiday season is going to be affected by this. I'm already dreading the thought of trying to cook for my family and friends, only to have them all come down with norovirus a day later . It's just so frustrating. Can we please just find a cure for this thing already?

Ugh dont even get me started this norovirus outbreak is like, so not what we need right now it's already bad enough dealing with all the stress of the holidays, but now we gotta worry about getting sick too and its not just anyone that's at risk, people with weakened immune systems are super vulnerable like I dont know how much more can be done to prevent this stuff, we need a vaccine like yesterday

i'm so annoyed that im finding out about this now... like, dont people know how to wash their hands anymore?! its not rocket science!!! i remember when i was a kid my grandma would always say "cleanliness is next to godliness" and it seems like weve taken that to heart. but seriously though, 20 million ppl contracting norovirus every year? thats crazy. can we get some decent hand sanitizer or something?!