Cases of norovirus are surging across the United States, with cluster outbreaks being reported in various locations, including an upstate New York college town and an Alabama elementary school. The outbreaks have led to hundreds of students falling ill, resulting in school closures.

Norovirus is known for its rapid spread and can cause a range of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, stomach and muscle pain, fever, and headaches. Those infected typically show symptoms within 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to the virus. It is estimated that around 900 people die annually from norovirus in the United States, with the majority of fatalities occurring among individuals aged 65 and older. The virus also leads to approximately 109,000 hospitalizations and 2.27 million outpatient clinic visits each year.

In Baldwin County, Alabama, more than 1,200 students from a single school district were affected by a contagious gastrointestinal illness, suspected to be norovirus. Fairhope West Elementary, which reported over half of the cases, had to close its doors for the remainder of the week. On Tuesday, only 24 students were absent, but the number rose significantly to 773 by Wednesday.

Noroviruses are the most common cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks globally, accounting for at least 50% of cases. The first case of norovirus was believed to have been detected in Ohio in the late 1960s, but it was not widely diagnosable until the 1990s. The lack of a rapid test to confirm infection still poses a challenge for diagnostics. However, the CDC reports that significant progress has been made in diagnostic methods and infection control.

Norovirus is now recognized as the leading cause of foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States. It frequently affects healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals, and has also been responsible for widespread school closures from elementary to university levels.

Public health officials are urging individuals to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding contact with infected individuals, in order to minimize the spread of norovirus. With ongoing efforts in diagnostics and infection control, it is hoped that the impact of these outbreaks can be mitigated in the future.