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NASTY STOMACH BUG CASES HEAVE UPWARD IN NYC, NORTHEAST: CDC


RECENT DATA FROM THE CDC SHOWS CASES OF NOROVIRUS SPIKING IN RECENT WEEKS IN NEW
YORK CITY AND SEVERAL NORTHEAST STATES.

By Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Feb 23, 2024 11:52 am EST | Updated Feb 23, 2024 12:19 pm EST

Cases of a nasty stomach bug known as norovirus have spiked in recent weeks
across New York City and other Northeast states, according to the CDC.
(Shutterstock / shisu_ka)

NEW YORK CITY — Cases of a nasty stomach bug known as norovirus have spiked in
recent weeks across New York City and other Northeast states, 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" or gastroenteritis, anyone can become infected or sick
with norovirus, according to the New York City Department of Health.

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Norovirus is often spread through direct contact with an infected person, eating
food or drinking liquids contaminated with the virus, or touching contaminated
surfaces, city health officials said.

According to CDC data published Feb. 22, the three-week average for positive
norovirus tests in the Northeast region — which includes New York City — reached
13.9 percent in recent weeks and has remained above 10 percent since the middle
of December 2o23.



In other parts of the country, the West averaged 12 percent positivity, while
the Midwest hovered around 10 percent and the South near 9.5 percent.

While New York City health officials don't track cases of norovirus, they do
keep a database of symptoms associated with the virus including vomiting and
diarrhea.

From October 2023 until February 2024, 55,488 people visited city emergency
rooms with symptoms including vomiting. According to city data, vomiting cases
peaked the week of Feb. 12 when 491 cases were reported. People reporting
diarrhea symptoms also peaked the same week at 330.

When infected with norovirus, symptoms usually begin suddenly and last for one
or two days, health officials said. In addition to vomiting and diarrhea,
symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache and body aches.

There are no treatments for norovirus.

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, New York City health officials recommend
washing your hands with soap and water, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with
bleach, and washing laundry with hot water.



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