Norovirus on the Rise in California: What You Need to Know
The norovirus, commonly known as the “vomiting bug,” is making a comeback in California, and health experts warn that a new subvariant could lead to a surge in cases this season. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, norovirus concentrations in wastewater are increasing, indicating a rise in the circulation of the disease.
In fact, norovirus levels are rising across California, with the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles being particularly affected, as reported by the California Department of Public Health. Nationally, the test positivity rate for norovirus has also increased, with 11.69% of tests confirming infection for the week ending November 22, up from 8.66% two months prior.
Understanding Norovirus
Norovirus is highly contagious and is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Outbreaks typically occur between November and April, and the virus can cause significant disruptions, as seen in the case of an elementary school in Massachusetts that was forced to cancel classes due to a high volume of stomach illness cases suspected to be caused by norovirus.
A new norovirus strain, GII.17, has emerged, which could lead to a 50% increase in norovirus illness, according to the CDC. This strain overtook the previous dominant strain, GII.4, during the 2024-25 winter season and was responsible for approximately 75% of national norovirus outbreaks.
Prevention and Treatment
Preventing the spread of norovirus is crucial, and proper handwashing is essential. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including the back of hands, between fingers, and under nails. Hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus, making handwashing even more critical.
People with severe symptoms, such as ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, may need to seek medical attention. Children under the age of 5 and adults 85 and older are most likely to require emergency room or clinic visits due to norovirus. It is essential for these individuals to seek care without hesitation.
According to Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious diseases expert at UC San Francisco, “Everyone’s at risk, but the people who you worry about, the ones that we see in the hospital, are the very young and very old.” Newborns are particularly vulnerable, and immune-compromised individuals can experience prolonged diarrhea due to their weakened immune system.
Reducing the Risk of Infection
To reduce the risk of norovirus infection, it is essential to clean surfaces and contaminated areas thoroughly. The CDC recommends throwing out food that may be contaminated and washing laundry in hot water. Additionally, people should stay home for 48 hours after infection and avoid close contact with others to prevent the spread of the virus.
Norovirus can spread quickly in places like schools, cruise ships, day-care centers, and prisons. The CDC reports that even 10 viral particles can cause infection, making it highly contagious. People can still be infectious even after they feel better, and some studies have shown that they can spread the virus for up to two weeks or more after recovery.
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