Don’t Let the Stomach Bug (Norovirus) Bite You This Winter!
Norovirus, also known as the dreaded stomach flu, is surging across the United States in 2025 – including the Garden State. The highly contagious gastrointestinal bug, which causes sudden bouts of vomiting and diarrhea, is causing a record number of outbreaks in the U.S. for this time of year, according to the CDC.
Although its nickname is the “stomach flu,” norovirus is unrelated to influenza viruses that cause respiratory illness.
Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads through contact with sick people or via contaminated food, drinks or surfaces. Outbreaks are notoriously fast-spreading and tough to control.
Norovirus symptoms typically begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. They can typically last one to three days, and most people will recover on their own completely.
Common norovirus symptoms include:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain or cramps
Nausea
Here’s how you can protect yourself and your loved ones:
Wash your hands often.
Cook shellfish thoroughly.
Stay home when sick.
Avoid cooking for others while sick.
Disinfect contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution.
Launder soiled bedding or clothes on high heat.
In the U.S., norovirus causes an average of 19–21 million illnesses, 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths annually, per the CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/data-research/index.html