Originally Published by NorthJersey.com
The Northeastern United States is seeing the highest rates of the contagious stomach ailment norovirus in at least two years, prompting health experts to urge the public to take precautions in hopes of mitigating the spread.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 16.2% of norovirus tests in the region came back positive in the weeklong period ending Sunday. That marks the highest rate since at least March 2022 and continues an upward trend of the frequency of the virus, which has more than doubled from 7.6% in mid-November.
Norovirus outbreaks occur most often from the late fall through early spring, according to the CDC, meaning the spike in cases is not unusual. Nevertheless, public health organizations are offering ways to reverse the trend and avoid the uncomfortable symptoms associated with the virus.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is the most common cause of gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. It can spread by direct contact with an infectious person, consuming contaminated food and drinks, or by touching contaminated surfaces.
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