<i>Notes from the Field: </i>Norovirus Outbreaks Reported Through NoroSTAT — 12 States, August 2012–July 2022
Anita Kambhampati, Mary E. Wikswo, Leslie Barclay, Jan Vinjé, Sara A. Mirza, NoroSTAT Network, NoroSTAT Network, Esther Rei, Brandon Sabina, Jennifer Beggs, Diana K. Riner, Elizabeth Cebelinski, Amy Saupe, Amanda M. Bartling, Brianna Loeck, Nicole Chase, Jessica P. Houston, Eric Brandt, Ellen Salehi, Emilio DeBess, Laura Tsaknaridis, Gregory A. Goodwin, Hani Mohamed, Mugdha Golwalkar, Linda Thomas, Mary Kathryne Donnelly, Haley Greene, Timothy M. E. Davis, Lynn Roberts, Rob Christensen, Matthew Peterson
Abstract
Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States (1). In April 2020, the incidence of norovirus outbreaks in the United States declined substantially, likely because of implementation of COVID-19-related nonpharmaceutical interventions, such as facility closures, social distancing, and increased hand hygiene (2). Similar declines were observed in other countries Norovirus outbreaks in the United States increased rapidly starting in January 2022, approaching prepandemic (i.e., 2012-2019) levels. Norovirus transmission can be prevented by thorough handwashing and proper cleaning and disinfection of contaminated surfaces.