Stomach virus spike in NJ following holiday gatherings

Cases of a stomach bug known as Norovirus have spiked in New Jersey following holiday gatherings, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

In December 2024, the NJDOH reported 70 Norovirus or Norovirus-like outbreaks, which is a stark contrast to the 15 reported in the previous year of December 2023, NJDOH Spokesperson Dalya Ewais said.

This equates to a 66 percent increase in outbreaks from 2023 to 2024.

The CDC has also confirmed that the spread of the stomach bug is not isolated to New Jersey. Recent data for the week of Dec. 5 report there were 91 outbreaks across 14 states, which does not include New Jersey.

“Noroviruses are a group of related viruses that affect the stomach and intestines and cause an illness called gastroenteritis (an inflammation of the stomach and intestines). Anyone can get norovirus and they can be infected with the virus many times over a lifetime,” according to the NJDOH.

Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. This illness is highly contagious and outbreaks are common due to the ease of transmission.

“The virus can also stay in your poop for 2 weeks or more after you feel better. You can still spread norovirus during that time,” according to the CDC.

About 19 to 21 million norovirus illnesses are reported in the United States each year, according to the CDC. Most illnesses commonly occur between November and April. Norovirus causes about 109,000 hospitalizations each year and 900 deaths, most commonly among older adults.

To help stop the spread, wash your hands well with soap and water. Hand sanitizer alone does not work well against Norovirus. Do not prepare or handle food, or care for others when you are sick