After the end of the memorable COVID-19 virus, Florida now ranks second in the nation for the highest number of norovirus cases. The highly contagious virus, which can be referred to as a “stomach bug,” is quickly spreading around Florida, more specifically in crowded areas such as cruise ships and concerts.
Quickly into the 2023-2024 season, the virus outbreaks increased every winter. Norovirus outbreaks were quite common throughout November to April around Jacksonville, Florida. Soon, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stated that this year’s number of norovirus outbreaks in Florida are greater than were seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The norovirus originally began to spike in Florida in November 2024. However, Florida was named for having the highest norovirus outbreaks on Oct. 31 of last year. Claims state that multiple norovirus outbreaks have been spread through close contact, sharing food or utensils, or caring for others who are sick.
Doctors claim that the most important preventative action against the spread of norovirus is to wash your hands. They also report that alcohol-based sanitizers don’t work very well for the virus and that it’s important to properly sanitize food preparation areas and other surfaces that could become contaminated.
Recently, citizens have noticed the quick spread of the norovirus and have also worried about returning to online school. PPCHS sophomore Fabrizio Alcazar-Fonseca explained, “Initially, COVID hit when I was ending elementary and heading into middle school and had to miss out on all of the end-of-the-year activities.” PPCHS students are stressed about missing out on future high school events such as prom, homecoming, and grad bash as a result of the new norovirus.
According to the CDC, Doctor Leana Wen explains that the norovirus is “the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. It is responsible for 19 to 21 million illnesses every year.” The constant visits lead up to about 2.2 million outpatient medical visits, 465,000 emergency department visits, and about 109,000 hospitalizations.
Along with this, symptoms of the norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Some people also experience low-grade fevers, chills, headaches.
However, the good news is that most people who have caught the virus will improve within the next two days. Yes, some people may also become severely ill from the norovirus, but studies have shown it is due to them becoming very dehydrated.
With more and more reports popping up in Florida, many people fear for a possible repeat of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing citizens to head back into closed doors.
With the comeback being viewed into play, the best option to keep the norovirus from spreading quickly and causing the repetition of outbreaks and diagnoses throughout the state and possibly the country is to stay sanitized.
