‘Norovirus is no joke’: Internet alarmed as stomach bug that causes diarrhea spreads across Northeast US

NORTHEAST, UNITED STATES: A violent stomach bug is sweeping across the Northeastern United States, bringing misery to communities. Cases of norovirus, a highly contagious virus that causes intense vomiting and diarrhea, have spiked alarmingly in recent weeks.

The outbreak is disrupting daily life, forcing school closures, sick days from work, and plenty of disgust along the way. Health officials are scrambling to contain this stubborn infection. But with peak norovirus season just ramping up, experts say the worst impacts may still be to come, as per Daily Mail.

Nearly 14% of norovirus tests came back positive

Nearly 14% of norovirus lab tests came back positive in parts of the Northeast in early February, a huge jump from around just 4% last November before the outbreak intensified. The virus is also gaining steam nationwide, with 12% of tests now detecting norovirus compared to 9% previously.

The outbreak is having major impacts on local communities. Many children are missing school due to the severe gastrointestinal illness that lasts around 2 days. Adults are also calling out sick from work. With so much vomiting and diarrhea spreading quickly person-to-person, daily life has been disrupted.

"It is very much about your own handwashing. You want to wash your hands with soap and water for about 20 to 30 seconds while you are in the bathroom," said Dr John Whyte, chief medical officer at WebMD, in an interview with ABC7 News.

"You also want to encourage people to stay home if they are sick. I know it is tough on parents but, if someone feels sick, they need to stay home."

Norovirus cases typically peak from February through March

Norovirus thrives in the winter when people gather indoors. Cases typically peak from February through March alongside other seasonal bugs. So health experts warn the worst could still be yet to come from this outbreak.

Already the 2024-2025 viral season has seen an unusually early and intense flu outbreak, followed by a barrage of RSV infections. Now norovirus is piling on, continuing the misery, especially for those most vulnerable like the elderly, immunocompromised patients, and young children.

Internet reacts to alarming spread of norovirus

In response to the alarming spread of the norovirus across the Northeastern United States, the Internet has been abuzz with various reactions.

One user on X emphasized the importance of personal hygiene, stating, "Just wash your damn hands, people."

This sentiment was echoed by another user who sarcastically remarked, "So after all this people aren’t washing their hands still? Nice."

A third user shared a personal experience, noting, "The Norovirus is no joke, you will keep having to go until you have dry butt heaves. Fortunately, it only lasts 2 or 3 days, and you'll only feel like you are dying."

Another person expressed, "Oh man! I already have a sensitive stomach as it is."

A fifth user suggested, "Hoard toilet paper."

Summing up the sentiment succinctly, a sixth user simply remarked, "And it sucks!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.