The Northeast is grappling with an outbreak of the norovirus, a highly infectious stomach virus that has forced school closures and sidelined residents with severe gastrointestinal symptoms including violent diarrhea.
“The norovirus is exceptionally easy to transmit,” said Dr. Alfred Sacchetti of Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, N.J., while speaking to ABC News. “Ingesting even a single particle can cause illness.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released data highlighting a surge in cases across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, with 14% of tests in these states returning positive early in February.
This represents an increase from the 12% positivity rate recorded two weeks prior, and a significant jump from the 4% observed in November at the onset of the outbreak.
Jacob Joyner from Cherry Hill, N.J., noted the virus’ impact on his community. “My toddler had stomach problems last week, and it seems his daycare and our whole family has been affected,” he shared.
The CDC estimates that the norovirus, with its several strains, is the top cause of acute gastrointestinal infections in the US, leading to 19 to 21 million illnesses annually.
Infections tend to peak during the winter months of February and March, when people are more likely to remain inside and in close contact with one another.
The virus can be contracted in numerous ways, including through the consumption of contaminated food or water, touching infected surfaces, or direct contact with an infected person.
Transmission between people often occurs via caregiving, sharing food or utensils, or consuming edibles prepared by someone carrying the virus.
Symptoms of the norovirus, such as intense diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting, can appear as soon as 12 hours after exposure and last up to three days, leading to dehydration due to fluid loss.