This virus is breaking records in Mississippi & there’s no treatment. Here’s how to stay safe
As many of you may already know firsthand, the 2024-2025 norovirus season is showing an alarming trend upward, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Many reports indicate a significant surge in cases across the Southern United States.
December marked the highest level of norovirus outbreaks since 2012 and is the cause of over 100,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths per year. This year promises to be even worse.
Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, described the latest increase as “quite substantial,” which may seem like a bit of an understatement at this point.
This virus is highly contagious and can be passed through close contact with an infected individual, through contaminated food or water or by touching contaminated surfaces. This often leads to outbreaks in close settings like schools, offices and healthcare facilities.
Not your regular “stomach bug”
Some people are using the term “stomach bug” interchangeably with norovirus, but it’s much more involved than that, says the American Medical Association (AMA).
While both can cause similar symptoms, there are some key distinctions.
Onset: Norovirus symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure.
Duration: Norovirus usually lasts one to three days, which is often shorter than other stomach bugs.
Specific symptoms: Norovirus commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. It may also lead to fever, headache and body aches.
Treat the symptoms
There’s no specific treatment once symptoms onset and you’ll have to just ride it out until they subside. Use these strategies to prevent complications.
Stay hydrated. You must replenish the fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea or you could feel a lot worse. Drink water, clear broths, fruit juices, or sports drinks.
Use oral hydration solutions. If you are finding it hard to ingest any of the above fluids, try these to help your intestines absorb more quickly.
Get as much rest as possible to help your body recover.
Eat bland foods. If you can manage it, or once you can keep food down, eat soft, bland foods to ease back into eating.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol or drinks with extremely high sugar content.
Over-the-counter medications can, in some cases, help manage symptoms, but use these with caution.
Know when to see a doctor
You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
Severe dehydration
Signs include excessive thirst, dry mouth, very pale complexion, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness or altered consciousness.
For children, signs of dehydration include having less than two wet diapers in 24 hours or no urination for over 12 hours.
Persistent or Severe Symptoms
Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than two or three days
Unable to keep fluids down for 24 hours
Vomiting blood or having bloody stools
Severe abdominal or rectal pain
High Fever
Temperature of 40°C (104°F) or higher
Change in mental state, such as irritability or lack of energy
Green vomit in adults or yellow-green/green vomit in children
Special Circumstances
Seek medical attention if you:
Are over 65 years old
Have a weakened immune system
Are pregnant
Have an underlying health condition like diabetes or kidney problems
While there is currently no vaccine for the norovirus, Mississippi State Department of Health reports there is no real treatment for it either.
Be sure to wash your hands, and stay home when possible.
This story was originally published January 14, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
