Why Norovirus is So Tough to Eradicate: How to Safeguard Yourself from 'The Perfect Pathogen'

 

The common stomach bug is highly contagious, spreading through surfaces and the air, and people can contract it annually.

Jan. 1, 2025, 2:11 AM GMT+6

Norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting disease” or “two-bucket disease” due to its combination of vomiting and diarrhea, is making a notable comeback across the country. This surge coincides with the seasonal flu and ongoing cases of walking pneumonia.

Recent wastewater data and reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have highlighted a sharp increase in norovirus cases over the past few weeks, with rates significantly higher than in previous years. During the week of December 5, at least 91 outbreaks were reported—more than double the highest number of outbreaks observed in the same period in recent years.

What is norovirus and how can you protect yourself?

What is norovirus?
Noroviruses are highly contagious stomach bugs, often referred to as “the perfect human pathogens.” They cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, fever, and body aches. The virus spreads quickly, both through contact with contaminated surfaces and via airborne droplets from vomit. While most people recover fully, the illness can last for several miserable days. Due to the virus's ability to mutate, individuals can get sick with norovirus every year. Outbreaks can happen year-round, but they are most common between November and April.

Norovirus spreads through vomit and diarrhea, either through direct contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Consuming contaminated food or drink also presents a risk. Shellfish, particularly oysters and clams, are common culprits because they filter water and can accumulate the virus from untreated sewage.

What are the symptoms and how long do they last?
Symptoms of norovirus typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last anywhere from 1 to 3 days. Even after recovery, individuals can remain contagious for up to two weeks. A major risk associated with the virus is dehydration, which can be particularly severe in young children and the elderly. Signs of dehydration in children include a lack of tears when crying and unusual fussiness or sleepiness.

There is no specific treatment for norovirus. Instead, it is crucial to manage symptoms, primarily through oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte, to replace fluids and electrolytes lost during vomiting and diarrhea.

Why is norovirus so hard to kill?
Handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most effective way to prevent the spread of norovirus, particularly after handling food, using the restroom, or changing diapers. Hand sanitizer is not effective against this virus, as it is protected by a tough protein shell called a capsid, which resists alcohol-based disinfectants.

Cruise ships, which had a busy year in 2024, are often linked to norovirus outbreaks due to confined spaces and shared facilities. However, norovirus can spread in any setting where people are in close contact, including nursing homes, hospitals, jails, and preschools.

To reduce the risk of infection, avoid consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, as norovirus can survive temperatures as high as 145°F, meaning quick steaming won’t eliminate the virus. Even if you’ve had norovirus before, reinfection is possible due to the virus’s rapid mutation, with many different strains in circulation.

Norovirus is particularly challenging to eliminate from surfaces because it can survive for weeks or even months. When cleaning a contaminated area, it’s important to wear gloves and use bleach. Allow the bleach to sit for at least five minutes to ensure the virus is killed. Disposable paper towels should be used to clean, rather than reusable cloths, to prevent further contamination.

Clothing and bedding that have been used by someone infected with norovirus should be handled with gloves and washed with hot water and detergent at the highest possible heat setting.