Illinois had not less than 103 outbreaks of the abdomen bug norovirus in November and December—a dramatic enhance from earlier years, in accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
During the identical time final winter, there have been 22 reported outbreaks. This yr’s numbers are additionally considerably greater than within the winters earlier than the pandemic, with 57 outbreaks in November and December of 2019, and 73 throughout that timeframe in 2018, in accordance with the state well being division.
While it is typical for norovirus instances to extend between November and April every year, “We are seeing a extra vital rise in infections earlier within the season than traditional,” in accordance with the state well being division. The state doesn’t monitor particular person instances of the sickness, simply outbreaks, which encompass a number of instances.
The extremely contagious sickness may cause vomiting and diarrhea however is often short-lived. Most individuals really feel higher inside one to a few days, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most individuals don’t require hospitalization for norovirus, stated Dr. Julie Holland, vice chairman for pediatric main care at Advocate Children’s Hospital.
“It may be very regular to see a bump of it within the winter, and we’re seeing extra of it this yr,” Holland stated. “We’re not overwhelmed within the hospitals, however we’re positively seeing a bump.”
It’s potential, nevertheless, the numbers is likely to be beginning to reduce. So far, the state has recorded 10 outbreaks in January, although there could be delays in reporting outbreaks, in accordance with the state well being division. Also, throughout the state, the variety of weekly visits to emergency departments due to gastrointestinal sicknesses—which might embody norovirus—has dropped since late December.
The November and December soar was according to nationwide figures that additionally confirmed greater numbers of norovirus outbreaks this winter, in contrast with earlier years. The CDC reported 91 suspected or confirmed outbreaks of norovirus throughout 14 states (not together with Illinois) for the week that ended Dec. 5, in contrast with a most of 41 outbreaks for that week in different current years.
Meanwhile, respiratory sickness exercise appears to be moderating in Illinois, after reaching excessive ranges earlier this month. Statewide, hospital admissions attributable to flu, COVID-19 and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, are trending downward, in accordance with the state well being division. Test positivity for COVID-19 and RSV have been additionally down for the week that ended Jan. 11.
In Chicago, flu ranges stay excessive, however COVID-19 and RSV exercise have decreased, in accordance with the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Doctors say it isn’t too late for individuals to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines, in the event that they have not already.
RSV vaccine is accessible for pregnant ladies and adults ages 75 and older, or these ages 60 to 74 who’re at elevated threat of RSV. Infants can obtain an RSV antibody if their moms did not get vaccinated throughout being pregnant.
No vaccine for norovirus is at the moment obtainable. Norovirus could be unfold by sharing meals, consuming meals dealt with by others with the virus or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects after which placing one’s arms in a single’s mouth.
The CDC recommends washing arms with cleaning soap and water for not less than 20 seconds, particularly earlier than consuming, getting ready or dealing with meals and after going to the lavatory. Hand sanitizer doesn’t work nicely towards norovirus.
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Illinois had not less than 103 outbreaks of norovirus in November, December, following nationwide pattern (2025, January 24)
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