Sick with norovirus? Do all of Michigan a favor: Stay home

• Michigan is reporting a high number of norovirus cases
• The pathogen isn’t usually deadly, but it’s highly contagious, causing gastrointestinal misery
• Hand sanitizer doesn’t work well. Wash hands — thoroughly

Norovirus continues to threaten Michiganders in the new year — with case counts among the highest in five years and no indication that they might fall soon.

The highly contagious stomach bug isn’t easy to kill. Hand sanitizer is a poor weapon against it. It lingers on surfaces for days.

And most notably for those who are infected: While you’ll probably get better in a few days, it’s miserable in the meantime. 

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, said Dr. Jason Vieder, vice chairman of emergency medicine at Detroit-based Henry Ford Health.

And “you might get some achiness. You’re going to feel generally pretty crummy,” he said.

What is norovirus?

Noroviruses are the leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the country, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cases of norovirus have surged across the country in recent weeks, with cases in Michigan reaching their highest levels in four years — at least 1,421 cases as the year closed out, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. That’s the highest number since 2019, when the state reported 1,481 cases.

Related:

• Whooping cough cases skyrocket in Michigan, as vaccinations decline
• COVID deaths decline steeply in 2024; spread muted so far in winter
• As holiday hugs and coughs await, only 1 in 4 Michiganders has taken flu shot

(Cases aren’t required to be reported, so surveillance isn’t precise.)

Outbreaks are often associated with people in close quarters and with prepared food — cruise ships, day care centers, schools, catered events and restaurants, for example, according to the CDC.

The virus is shed through vomit and feces, and it lingers on shared spaces such as sinks and door handles. Symptoms can start suddenly — typically 12 to 48 hours after exposure — and last one to three days, according to Mayo Clinic.

Noroviruses aren’t typically deadly, but for some people — especially young children, older adults and people with other medical conditions — vomiting and diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration, said Dr. Brian McComb, chief medical officer of the south region of Traverse City based Munson Healthcare.

And noroviruses trigger about 465,000 emergency room visits each year, primarily for young children. They also lead to about 109,000 hospitalizations, according to the CDC.

At least two people were hospitalized with norovirus Monday at Munson facilities, McComb said. Meanwhile, positive rates in hospital tests jumped from 6% in December to 17% this month — although that’s possibly as a result of more testing, too, he said.

Doctors very often see an increase in cases in December and January — likely a result of holiday gatherings and shared foods.

It’s temperature, too, said McComb.

“Winter brings people inside,” he said.

How do I prevent it?

Noroviruses are commonly spread through food or water that is contaminated as meals are being prepared. 

The good news is that prevention measures are simple — thorough hand-washing among them. 

“Thorough” is the operative word. Lather well with soap. Rub hands together for at least 20 seconds. Pay attention to wrists and between fingers and under fingernails. Dry with a clean towel or air dry.

Wash hands often, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, before eating, preparing or handling food, and before giving yourself or someone else medicine.

As for food prep, noroviruses are relatively resistant to heat, according to the CDC. That means brief steaming processes will not heat foods enough to kill noroviruses.

Also, hand sanitizer doesn’t work well because noroviruses are resistant to alcohol-based cleaners.

What if I get it?

Because they are viruses, antibiotics do not work against noroviruses, but most people recover within three days without a trip to the doctor’s office or emergency room. 

In that time, the focus is about treating symptoms and preventing dehydration. Signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, a lack of tears when crying or skin that has lost its elasticity and doesn’t spring back after being pinched, said Henry Ford’s Vieder. 

Diarrhea helps flush out the virus, but an antidiarrheal medicine, like Imodium, can be taken if diarrhea persists, Vieder said.

How do I prevent its spread?

First, stay put. 

Noroviruses are highly contagious, it’s important to keep the pathogens from spreading in shared spaces — bathrooms, desks, countertops and shopping cart handles.

Just because you’re feeling better, doesn’t mean you won’t make someone else sick. The virus can remain in your stool for up to two weeks after symptoms recede, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Don’t prepare food if you’re sick. Wait at least two days after symptoms stop.

Thoroughly wipe down all surfaces with a bleach-based solution or bleach (not alcohol-based) wipes.

Launder clothes well in hot water and use the dryer’s highest heat setting.

For more cleaning, food preparation and other tips to prevent the spread of norviruses, visit this CDC page.