Norovirus, often referred to as the stomach flu, is currently spreading across the United States, including Virginia.
The Virginia Department of Health VDH monitors the virus through reported outbreaks rather than individual cases. In the northwest region of Virginia, approximately 11.59% of emergency department and urgent care visits are related to gastrointestinal GI illnesses, surpassing the threshold of 11.3%.
MaryBeth DeMarco, the Foodborne Disease Epidemiologist for VDH, notes that while most individuals with norovirus recover within one to three days, they can still transmit the virus for several days after symptoms subside. Symptoms can appear as soon as 10 hours after exposure.
Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads rapidly through person-to-person contact, contaminated surfaces, food, or water.
To prevent transmission, DeMarco advises people to avoid preparing or handling food when sick and to stay home for 48 hours after symptoms end to prevent spreading the virus further.