The Norovirus Spikes Across the United States
Concerns over spiking norovirus cases have alerted public health authorities across a multitude of sectors, from the cruise ship industry to popular grocery chains. What is the norovirus, and why is there a recent increase in cases?
The norovirus is a highly contagious virus, where less than less than 100 microscopic particles can cause major illness. It is often called the “stomach flu,” despite not having any relation to the influenza virus. Spreading from close contact with infected people and surfaces, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and stomach pain. The norovirus is estimated to be responsible for 56,000 to 71,000 hospitalizations, and close to 800 deaths each year in the United States. Norovirus can live for a long time, from weeks to even years, especially in sources of water untreated by chlorine. each year in the United States. Norovirus can live for a long time, from weeks to even years, especially in sources of water untreated by chlorine.
There is no treatment or cure for the norovirus. However, the CDC suggests drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and eating bland foods such as crackers, bread, or bananas, especially in vulnerable groups like children and older adults. While cleaning surfaces infected with norovirus, it is best to use bleach, in addition to using hot water and soap to wipe surfaces down afterward. Proper handwashing can also be much more effective over solutions like hand sanitizer, as the norovirus appears resistant to alcohol based products that can usually kill most other viruses and bacteria.
Ways to protect yourself and others from getting norovirus. Source: CDC
Since the fall of 2022, the CDC has noted a steady uptick in cases in a variety of settings. The popular cruise ship line, Celebrity Cruises, has experienced its third outbreak of the norovirus aboard its ships this year, where over Click here to enter text.152 passengers and crew members contacted the virus. In Eagan, Minnesota, over 60 people became ill after swimming in Lake Schulze where a suspected outbreak of norovirus caused state health officials to close the lake for an entire week. In Canada, Alasko Foods issued a recall for frozen berry blends due to norovirus contamination found across Quebec, Ontario, and several other provinces across the country.
Like many other infectious diseases, the norovirus may be worsened by climate change. It thrives in water runoff, and the rising temperatures cause erratic weather patterns, with an increased likelihood of heavy rainfalls that expand the disease’s survival. With its high level of contagiousness, overcrowding is also another risk factor for the virus. While the norovirus may behave like other infectious diseases in the face of climate change, it is important to note that the relationship between seasonality and the spread of this disease is not yet fully understood. Behavioral and biological factors may play an additional role in the increased case rates as of late.
However, considering that climate change supports the ecology in which this disease flourishes, public health research must be broadened to discern whether there is an association between the two to prevent the spread of this highly transmissible virus that has already disrupted many lives and industries across North America.
For so many, the impacts of climate change expand beyond warmer winters or severe thunderstorms, and many may not be able to anticipate its insidious domino effects. From food systems to recreational activities, climate-induced infectious diseases have developed into a major threat that will likely see a rise as the climate crisis continues. The increased prevalence of illnesses related to the norovirus is one of these effects.
