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Is There a Stomach Bug
Going Around in Your Area?

Real-time norovirus and gastroenteritis activity across the United States. Find out what is going around near you, symptoms to expect, and how to protect yourself.

Short Answer

Yes — stomach bugs are circulating across multiple US states right now. The dominant strain in 2026 is Norovirus GII.17, which spread from under 8% to over 75% of all US genotyped outbreaks in two seasons. Select your state below to see current activity near you.

Stomach Bug Activity by State

Select your state to see real-time norovirus and gastroenteritis reports, including current case activity, health department resources, and what to watch for.

Utah New Hampshire Colorado Maryland Alabama North Carolina Missouri Pennsylvania Iowa West Virginia Delaware Kansas Ohio Maine South Carolina Massachusetts Texas Illinois Georgia Florida California New York Michigan Virginia North Dakota Indiana Minnesota Arizona Washington Oregon Wisconsin Tennessee Oklahoma Louisiana Connecticut Nevada Nebraska Arkansas Mississippi Kentucky Alaska Hawaii New Jersey New Mexico Idaho Montana Wyoming South Dakota Vermont Rhode Island

Also check: Gastroenteritis tracker for stomach bug reports beyond norovirus.

Symptoms of the Stomach Bug Going Around

  • Sudden nausea and vomiting (often projectile)
  • Watery, non-bloody diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
  • Low-grade fever (sometimes)
  • Headache and muscle aches
  • Fatigue and general weakness

Onset: 12-48 hours after exposure. Symptoms appear suddenly.

How Long Does It Last?

1-3
days

Most healthy adults recover fully within 1-3 days. Children and elderly may take longer.

48h
stay home

Remain home for at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve — you are still contagious.

2wk
contagious

You can shed and spread norovirus for up to 2 weeks after recovering.

How to Avoid Getting the Stomach Bug Going Around

Handwashing

  • Soap and water for 20+ seconds — hand sanitizer is less effective against norovirus
  • Always wash before eating or preparing food
  • Wash after using the bathroom or caring for sick people

Food and Surfaces

  • Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly
  • Cook shellfish thoroughly — raw oysters are a major vector
  • Disinfect surfaces with bleach-based cleaner (1,000-5,000 ppm chlorine)

If Someone is Sick

  • Stay home and do not prepare food for others
  • Wash contaminated laundry immediately in hot water
  • Clean up vomit immediately — airborne particles spread for up to 25 feet

When to See a Doctor

  • Cannot keep fluids down for more than 24 hours
  • Signs of severe dehydration: dry mouth, dark urine, no urination, dizziness
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Fever above 104F (40C)
  • Symptoms lasting more than 3 days in healthy adults
  • Infant, elderly, or immunocompromised — seek care sooner

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a stomach bug going around in my area right now?
Yes, stomach bugs are circulating in many US states year-round, with peak activity from November through April. Use the state links above to check real-time outbreak reports for your state. The dominant strain circulating in 2026 is Norovirus GII.17.
What is the stomach bug going around in 2026?
The stomach bug going around is primarily Norovirus, specifically the GII.17 strain which now accounts for over 75% of all US genotyped outbreaks. It is highly contagious, spreading through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and contact with infected people. Bacterial gastroenteritis from Campylobacter, Salmonella, and E. coli also circulates throughout the year.
How long does the stomach bug last?
Most stomach bugs last 1-3 days. Norovirus typically resolves within 24-72 hours. However, you can remain contagious for up to 2 weeks after recovery, so continue washing hands carefully. Elderly, children, and immunocompromised people may take longer to recover and are at higher risk of dehydration.
Is the stomach bug contagious before symptoms start?
Yes. You can be contagious before symptoms appear and for up to 2 weeks after recovering. You are most contagious when actively vomiting or having diarrhea. This is why the stomach bug spreads so easily in households, schools, and nursing homes.
Why doesn't hand sanitizer stop the stomach bug?
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus because the virus lacks an outer lipid envelope that alcohol can break down. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, which physically removes the virus. Use bleach-based disinfectants (not just all-purpose cleaners) on surfaces.

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