Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Mandy Cohen in the CDC offices in Washington, DC on February 27, 2024.
© Jack Gruber, Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Atlanta, GA) – Health officials warn that stomach flu is spreading throughout the US. The CDC says the number of norovirus cases is spiking — with more than 90 known cases for the week ending December 5. That’s more than double the highest reported number between 2021 and 2024.
Dr. Robert Citronberg, an infectious disease specialist, says if you’re dealing with foodborne illness, that will make itself clear. The norovirus is notoriously highly contagious, and washing your hands with warm water and soap is a must. Hand sanitizer won’t stop the norovirus, and there is no vaccine for norovirus.
Norovirus is known widely as the stomach flu and is the main cause of diarrhea and vomiting from inflammation of the stomach, intestines or gastroenteritis, according to the CDC. The CDC report follows the Minnesota Department of Health saying the state saw twice the average number of cases in December. The virus is also the top contributor of foodborne illness in the US and causes 58% of acquired illnesses.
