Norovirus
10 Active OutbreaksNorovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Often called the 'stomach flu' or 'winter vomiting bug,' it is the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks worldwide.
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What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis in the United States and globally. It causes approximately 21 million illnesses, 70,000 hospitalizations, and 800 deaths annually in the U.S. alone. The virus is extremely contagious - just a few viral particles can cause infection, and infected people can shed billions of virus particles.
Symptoms
- Sudden onset of nausea and vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
- Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- Low-grade fever
- Body aches and headache
- Fatigue and weakness
Transmission
Norovirus spreads through contaminated food or water, contact with contaminated surfaces, and direct person-to-person contact. The virus is extremely contagious and only a few viral particles are needed to cause infection. Outbreaks are common in closed environments like cruise ships, schools, and nursing homes.
Contagious Period: From symptom onset through at least 3 days after recovery (virus can be shed up to 2 weeks)
Prevention
- Thorough handwashing with soap and water (alcohol sanitizers less effective)
- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating
- Cook shellfish thoroughly
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with bleach-based cleaners
- Stay home when sick and for 48 hours after symptoms resolve
- Avoid preparing food for others when ill
- Wash laundry thoroughly if contaminated
Live Norovirus Global Case Map
5 countries with reported activity. Updated from real-time surveillance data.
Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases
Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance
Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies
β Live data updated in real-time from global health sources
Demand for cruises appears undimmed despite hantavirus and other onboard outbreaks
Recent outbreaks of hantavirus and norovirus on cruise ships are making headlines, but they're unlikely to dim the growing popularity of vacation cruises, according to industry representatives and travel experts.
In fact, many within the industry still expect a record number of people worldwide to take cruises this year despite three passengers aboard the MV Hondius dying from hantavirus after the ship stopped in Argentina and a recent norovirus outbreak aboard a British ship docked in Bordeaux,
π° 22 news sources reporting on this story.
Norovirus on cruise ships: Why soap and water still matter -- Dr Muhammad Amir Yunus
MAY 26 -- When news emerged of a norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship recently, many Malaysians may not have paid much attention to it. Stomach bugs during travel are often assumed to be routine food poisoning or a minor inconvenience that passes after a day or two.
But the outbreak, which affected more than 100 passengers and crew members, serves as a useful reminder that not all gastrointestinal infections behave the same way, and not all can be prevented using the habi
π° 11 news sources reporting on this story.
France allows asymptomatic passengers off new cruise ship struck by stomach bug outbreak
BORDEAUX, France -- Passengers unaffected by an illness outbreak on a British cruise ship have been allowed off the ship in the French port city of Bordeaux, while authorities confirmed the cause of the outbreak is norovirus, a nasty stomach bug that spreads easily. French authorities had initially ordered over 1,700 passengers and crew on The Ambition cruise ship to remain on board, but then decided late Wednesday to let those unaffected disembark. One passenger was spotted raising his arms in triumph while leaving the vessel. It was not immediately clear how many left the ship, but the British operator of the ship said Thursday that passengers are able to disembark "with all scheduled shore excursions operating as planned today." As of Thursday morning, 60 passengers and four crew member...
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Dozens of hikers suddenly fall sick on California section of iconic Pacific Crest Trail
Roughly a dozen hikers have reportedly fallen ill with a nasty stomach bug after traversing a section of the scenic Pacific Crest Trail.
The popular hiking destination spans more than 2,600 miles and goes from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington.
The Pacific Crest Trail Association acknowledged reports of "gastrointestinal illness" in the Wrightwood area of the hike, writing in an Instagram post on Thursday that they are working with the San Bernardino County Department o
π° 19 news sources reporting on this story.
What Is 'Vomiting Virus' Spreading Across US; Symptoms, Causes And Prevention, All You Need To Know
Norovirus cases are sharply rising acrossUS, CDC data and wastewater show massive spread, officials urge hygiene, handwashing and staying home to prevent dehydration and outbreaks
A highly contagious stomach virus commonly known as the "vomit bug" is spreading across the United States, with health officials reporting a sharp rise in norovirus activity in several regions of the country.
Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US and is responsible for millions of cases of acut
π° 11 news sources reporting on this story.
France Bars 1,700 Cruise Passengers From Leaving Ship After Dozens Get Sick
Around 50 people so far have symptoms "consistent with an acute gastrointestinal infection" on the Ambassador Cruise Line ship Ambition.
French authorities have ordered more than 1,700 passengers and crew members to stay aboard a cruise ship docked in Bordeaux after dozens on board became ill, health officials said.
Around 50 people have so far been sickened with symptoms "consistent with an acute gastrointestinal infection" on the ship, an Ambassador Cruise Line vessel named Ambition, official
π° 737 news sources reporting on this story.
Cruise ship faces second norovirus outbreak in a month, 20 people sick - AOL
Nearly two dozen people got sick with norovirus onboard a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions ship, marking the vessel's second outbreak in roughly a month.
Among the 68 guests sailing on National Geographic Sea Bird, 19 reported being ill during a voyage that ended on June 30, along with one crew member, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Their main symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.
The ship is currently operating Alaska voyages, according to CruiseMapper.
Th
π° 79 news sources reporting on this story.
Norovirus Hits Pacific Crest Trail Hikers: Information Sought
This event envelope contains reports on norovirus outbreaks in the USA.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Norovirus, Germany
This event envelope contains reports on norovirus outbreaks in Germany.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Norovirus, Panama
This event envelope includes reports on norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in Panama.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
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Expert Resources & References
Trusted information from leading health organizations
CDC
Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
View CDC Resources βWHO
Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources βMedically Reviewed Content
Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-18
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Norovirus answered by our epidemiology team
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