Norovirus outbreaks have significantly surged during the holiday season, prompting urgent advisories from health officials. In December 2024 alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 91 outbreaks, marking a notable increase in gastrointestinal illnesses associated with this highly contagious virus . Norovirus is recognized as a leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States and can be easily transmitted through person-to-person contact, contaminated surfaces, and food sources such as shellfish and berries. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain lasting between one to three days; however, individuals may remain contagious even after symptoms subside .
Norovirus remains the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for more than half of all food-related infections annually. In San Diego County alone, there have been 385 outbreaks this year. Dr. William Tseng, assistant chief of staff at Kaiser Permanente, explained how quickly the virus can spread.
Once contracted, symptoms usually appear within one to two days and can last for up to three days, causing severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach aches. Tseng advised using bleach or hydrogen peroxide products to clean surfaces, noting that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective.
"They're not as effective as hand washing alone," Tseng stressed. "Hand washing with soap and lather and rinse 20 seconds is more effective than any alcohol."
Dr. Leana Wen: Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US. According to the CDC, it is responsible for 19 million to 21 million illnesses every year. It results in over 2.2 million outpatient medical visits, 465,000 emergency department visits and 109,000 hospitalizations.
Also sometimes called the Norwalk virus or winter vomiting bug, norovirus is an extremely contagious virus. It is a common cause of illness outbreaks on cruise ships, where more than 90% of diarrheal illnesses are attributed to this virus. It also causes outbreaks in schools, day care centers, jails and other settings where individuals come into proximity with others.
The timing of these outbreaks during the holiday season raises particular concern as families gather for celebrations that often involve communal meals. The CDC has highlighted that vulnerable populations—including children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals—are at heightened risk for severe illness from norovirus infections. As such, public health recommendations emphasize rigorous hygiene practices to mitigate transmission. Health officials advise thorough handwashing with soap rather than alcohol-based sanitizers and recommend disinfecting surfaces using bleach solutions due to the virus’s resilience against heat and dryness .
In light of these developments, it is imperative for individuals to remain vigilant about their health practices during this festive period. Understanding how norovirus spreads can empower communities to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves against infection. As we move into January and February—historically months with continued surges in cases—maintaining awareness of proper food handling procedures and personal hygiene will be critical in curbing further outbreaks .
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