Brace Yourself: Norovirus Is Making a Comeback This Winter

Winter is here, and so are the germs. While cold and flu viruses are the usual suspects, norovirus is also making its presence felt. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that norovirus cases are on the rise, with about 14% of recent lab tests coming back positive. This is double the rate from just three months ago, and several states are already seeing a significant increase in cases. Norovirus is not just a cruise ship problem. It's everywhere and spreads easily through contaminated food. The CDC has documented a sharp rise in outbreaks, with nearly 2, 675 reported between August 2024 and July 2025. This is almost double the number from the previous year. While the pace of outbreaks slowed down in the fall, winter brings a new wave of infections as people spend more time indoors. The current test positivity rate is similar to last year's numbers, which peaked at nearly 25% in December 2024. States like Wyoming, Nebraska, and Oklahoma are currently experiencing the highest number of cases. Even if this winter's outbreak doesn't reach last year's peak, it's still expected to cause a lot of stomach upset. Annually, norovirus leads to about 20 million cases of vomiting and diarrhea in the U. S. While it's rarely deadly, it still results in around 100, 000 hospitalizations each year. To reduce your risk, it's important to take some precautions. Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and cook shellfish properly. Clean your kitchen utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces, especially after handling shellfish. Wash your hands after touching uncooked food to avoid spreading germs. If you're feeling sick, try to avoid close contact with others and wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Hand sanitizer won't help against norovirus, so soap and water are your best bet. Stay informed and take care of yourself this winter.