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
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
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.
Shellfish recall issued over potential norovirus contamination
The FDA is asking restaurants and retailers to immediately stop serving and selling the product and throw them away.
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall of some shellfish that were distributed in at least four states because of possible norovirus concerns.
The recall impacts shellfish from Gomez Shellfish, LLC that were harvested between March 22 and April 9 from Parts of Hammersley Inlet, WA.
What we know:
Restaurants and retailers from at least four states received ship
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.
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 Sickens Hundreds in Russia Water Supply Suspected
An acute intestinal infection outbreak in Murom has rapidly escalated to 375 cases over four days, with norovirus identified as the likely pathogen and waterborne transmission under investigation following suspected water infrastructure contamination. Authorities have mobilized comprehensive response measures including hepatitis A vaccination campaigns, water chlorination, and increased bottled water distribution, though the outbreak's trajectory depends on resolving potential ongoing water system breaches and controlling secondary person-to-person transmission.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Norovirus Hits French Ski Resort: 100 Adolescents Sick
This event envelope contains reports on norovirus outbreaks in France.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Norovirus Hits Pacific Crest Trail Hikers: Information Sought
This event envelope contains reports on norovirus outbreaks in the USA.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Hantavirus vs Norovirus: Which Viral Infection Is Deadlier?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus
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Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed
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A norovirus outbreak on Caribbean Princess sickened 102 passengers and 13 crew members
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Norovirus causes gastroenteritis with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps
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Hantavirus is deadlier, causing severe lung and kidney issues with a 35%-50% fatality rate
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While different parts of the world contin
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Norovirus Outbreak Sickens 115 on Cruise Ship
More than 100 passengers and 13 crew members on the Caribbean Princess reported being ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
More than 100 people have been sickened in a norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Thursday.
Those sickened, who include 102 passengers and 13 crew members, have been isolated from uninfected travelers, the agency said.
The norovirus, which is fairly co
π° 15 news sources reporting on this story.
What Is Norovirus? Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship Outbreak Sparks Global Concern
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More than 100 fell ill during a norovirus outbreak on Caribbean Princess cruise ship
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Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis with vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps
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Virus spreads rapidly in crowded places via contaminated food, water, and surfaces
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More than 100 passengers and crew members reportedly fell ill during a recent norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship, according to health authorities monito
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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: 2026-06-03
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Norovirus answered by our epidemiology team
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