Wintertime is synonymous with catching colds, but the end of 2024 also brought with it a surge of higher-than-normal cases of norovirus, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The virus, which is passed to others through food contamination or exposure with an infected person, causes gastrointestinal upset and a sudden onset of symptoms. It thrives in crowded areas, such as cruise ships, and is highly contagious.
Our Analysis: It’s Time to Remember the Lessons We Learned During COVID-19
After living through the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing we want to think about is being sick. And although norovirus is vastly different than COVID-19, it can still spread easily, especially during travel. Travel advisors, now is a good time to remind your clients of good health and hygiene habits while on the road (i.e. drinking filtered water while abroad, washing hands with soap often and eating foods that are cooked and prepared on sanitary surfaces) and to stay away from others if they become infected or are feeling sick.
There’s also an opportunity to remind clients of the benefits of travel insurance, especially policies that offer medical coverage.
Fast Facts: What to Know About Norovirus
- Dr. Eugene Delaune, senior medical consultant at travel insurance provider Allianz Partners, suggests that travelers who become infected with norovirus opt for a clear liquid diet until symptoms resolve. He also recommends ginger candies and tea to help with nausea.
- If infected, it’s important to isolate from others until symptoms resolve. And remember, a person can remain contagious even after they feel better.
- Hand sanitizer does not work well with norovirus.
- Norovirus is more likely to be found in oysters and shellfish, along with contaminated water.
- According to the CDC, there are normally about 19-21 million cases per year.
- About 2,000 cruise ship passengers and crew have been affected by norovirus since January 2023.
- Outbreaks are most common between November and April. In the U.S., there were 91 suspected or confirmed cases in the first week of December (a higher number this year than what’s been recorded in years past).
- The virus is resistant, living on surfaces for days or weeks.
- There is no antiviral treatment available, and young children, the elderly and immunocompromised people are most at risk of infection.