Stomach Bug Alert: New Jersey Fights Norovirus Surge

The holidays brought more than just cheer to New Jersey this year. The state has seen a major jump in cases of the stomach bug, known as Norovirus. This virus loves to cause diarrhea, vomiting, and belly aches. It's super contagious and spreads easily, making outbreaks common. In December 2024, the New Jersey Department of Health reported 70 outbreaks, a big jump from the 15 reported in December 2023. That's a 66% increase! But remember, these numbers don't count individual cases because they're not reported.Wastewater data from places like Union Beach, Bridgewater, and Newark show a rise in the virus at treatment plants. This isn't just a New Jersey problem; the CDC says the bug has hit 14 other states too. Noroviruses are a group of related viruses that mess with your stomach and intestines, causing gastroenteritis. Anyone can get infected multiple times in their life. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and belly pain. The virus can hide in your poop for up to two weeks after you feel better, so you can still spread it. There's no cure, so prevention is key. ```toml