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Norovirus Is Climbing in the U.S. as UK Hospitals Tell Recent Patients to Stay Away

Early surveillance mirrors last year’s start yet offers no clear sign of a repeat of December’s record peak.

Overview

  • CDC surveillance shows about 14% of U.S. lab tests were positive last week, roughly double the rate three months ago.
  • WastewaterSCAN reports a 69% nationwide increase since October, with notable rises in the Northeast and Midwest and in states such as Michigan, Indiana and Louisiana.
  • NHS trusts are asking people with recent vomiting or diarrhea to avoid hospital visits for 48 hours after symptoms stop to reduce spread and protect services.
  • UKHSA reports the GII.17 genotype is resurging and overtaking GII.4, which may allow reinfections, with no sign it causes more severe illness.
  • Health officials urge soap-and-water handwashing, use of EPA-listed disinfectants, staying home, and avoiding food preparation while sick and for two days after symptoms resolve.