Every winter, public health departments report a rise in illnesses. Most of these infections are expected during the colder months, and the data features the usual lineup of suspects — acute bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
This year has also seen a surge in norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug. Starting November 2024, the percentage of positive tests for norovirus began to increase, which is to be expected in the colder months when people begin to congregate inside more. But by January 2025, almost one-quarter of the tests were positive, nearly double the rate of last season’s outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Although the stats may seem scary, scientists know why norovirus infections are soaring this year. And they have advice on how people can protect themselves.
Symptoms of Norovirus
Norovirus, also known as the stomach flu, is a virus that hits the stomach and intestines, causing irritation and inflammation. Symptoms typically come on quickly and often violently. People experience diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.
