Norovirus is on the rise across the United States and in Maryland. The latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an increase in confirmed outbreaks compared with previous ones at this point in recent years.
The virus is more commonly known as the stomach flu or even as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ because it often spreads during the colder months.
Yearly Outbreaks
The CDC says there are about 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks in the United States each year. Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year but are most common from November to April. Overall, norovirus sickens up to 21 million people each year.
Montgomery County’s Health Officer, Dr. Kisha Davis, told MCM norovirus is not a reportable disease. She said the Maryland Department of Health does not keep track of norovirus outbreaks on a weekly basis unlike other states such as Virginia.
However the State Department of Health does keep track of Emergency Department visits that involve gastrointestinal disease. The latest information across the state shows Regions 1 through 4 are showing historically higher than normal outbreaks than in years past. Montgomery County is in Region 5 and the amount of disease is lower than in other parts of the state. Davis though cautioned there was an increase in gastrointestinal disease in Region 5 over the final 6 weeks of 2024.
New Strain
The CDC says a new strain of norovirus, GII.17, has accounted for about 70 percent of the outbreaks in the United States this season.
Norovirus is highly contagious. It causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is easily spread from contact with an infected person, contaminated surfaces, contaminated food or water.
“Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus, so everyone should wash their hands with soap and water after using the bathroom. If you currently have norovirus, wash your hands with soap and water after using the rest room, before eating, before handling medication, and avoid touching your mouth and face,” Davis said.
Treating Symptoms
She said it is important for patients to stay hydrated if they have norovirus. Davis recommends people drink water, Pedialyte, or electrolyte drinks.
“Alcohol and caffeine can worsen dehydration. Bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are helpful. Avoid dairy, spicy, greasy and sugary foods until a patient recovers,” Davis suggested.
She said the infection usually clears on its own without medication within a few days.
People At Risk
While most people will recover well from norovirus, immunocompromised or pregnant patients are more likely to develop severe infections. Elderly people have the highest risk of death from norovirus.
Children under 5 years old are more likely to visit the Emergency Department or have an outpatient visit for norovirus than other age groups.
Children between 6 and 18 months who are in daycare also are at high risk of contracting the disease.
Vaccine On The Horizon
While there is currently no vaccine for norovirus, Moderna is in the final stages of testing a norovirus vaccine. The company is using the same mRNA technology it used to develop its Covid-19 shot. Moderna is currently recruiting people to participate in its vaccine trial. Research centers around the world are conducting trials including three in Montgomery County. They are CenExel CBH in Gaithersburg, Velocity Clinical Research in Rockville, and Javara Inc./Privia Medical Group in Silver Spring. Researchers hope to complete their trial by May 2027.
