According to the CDC, the norovirus sickens about 21 million a year. Now, there is a major norovirus outbreak in the United States, with cases this season far surpassing those of recent years.

 

 

According to the CDC, the norovirus sickens about 21 million a year.

Now, there is a major norovirus outbreak in the United States, with cases this season far surpassing those of recent years. 

 

Experts attribute the rise to a return to pre-pandemic activities, as people re-engage in normal social interactions after years of COVID-19 restrictions.

 

Norovirus spreads easily through contact with infected individuals, surfaces, or contaminated food, such as unwashed produce and raw oysters. Want to protect yourself? Here's what to do.

 

- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20-30 seconds. 

- Wash all produce like fruits and vegetables before eating them.

- Wash all surfaces with soap and water before use.

- Don’t share eating utensils, chapstick, etc. with another person.

- Don't use hand sanitizer. It's not effective against norovirus.

- Don’t eat raw oysters.

- If you are sick, stay home.

- If you run a business, ensure sick employees stay home for the necessary time frame. Even once a person feels better, they can still spread norovirus to others for up to two weeks.