Health officials are sounding the alarm as cases of norovirus — sometimes called “winter vomiting disease” — spread across the U.S.
The virus typically peaks during the winter months and is highly contagious.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the gastrointestinal virus is now spreading rapidly in communities, schools, nursing homes, and other crowded indoor settings, driving public health concerns during the holiday season.
What is winter vomiting disease?
“Winter vomiting disease” is a nickname for norovirus — a group of viruses that cause an infection of the stomach and intestines.
The nickname stems from the fact that outbreaks usually peak in the colder months between late October and March.
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Health officials are sounding the alarm as cases of norovirus — sometimes called “winter vomiting disease” — spread across the U.S.
The virus typically peaks during the winter months and is highly contagious.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the gastrointestinal virus is now spreading rapidly in communities, schools, nursing homes, and other crowded indoor settings, driving public health concerns during the holiday season.
What is winter vomiting disease?
“Winter vomiting disease” is a nickname for norovirus — a group of viruses that cause an infection of the stomach and intestines.
The nickname stems from the fact that outbreaks usually peak in the colder months between late October and March.
It is responsible for millions of illnesses each year.
In the U.S. alone, norovirius is linked to an estimated 19 to 21 million infections and around 900 deaths annually, according to the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases.
Infection typically begins 12–48 hours after exposure, and symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever, headache, and body aches.
Most people recover in one to three days, but the virus remains highly contagious during and after symptoms.
A surge in 2025: New strains and early outbreaks
For the 2025–26 season, data from health authorities and wastewater monitoring shows norovirus activity started surging early this year compared to year’s past.
According to CDC data, California has seen elevated virus levels in wastewater since early October, and experts report more than 150 outbreaks in at least 14 states through mid-November.
In Connecticut, hospitals and wastewater systems have noted increasing norovirus cases over recent weeks, prompting warnings from public health professionals, CT Insider reported.
How it spreads and how to keep yourself safe
Norovirus spreads via the fecal-oral and vomit-oral routes.
You can contract the virus by coming in contact with contaminated surfaces, touching your face after coming in contact with the virus or through close contact with someone who has the illness.
To avoid getting the virus yourself, healthcare officials suggest:
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Disinfecting surfaces with bleach–based cleaners.
Not sharing food, utensils, drinks or towels.
Isolating infected individuals and staying home at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.
Even after symptoms resolve, people may be contagious for up to two days or more so its important to continue being cautious even after symptoms stop.
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