A highly contagious virus with no treatment is spreading in PA. How you can stay safe
Along with the flu, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus, another nasty illness is circulating in Pennsylvania this winter — including at a popular State College pizzeria as recently as last month.
The highly contagious norovirus spreads easily on contaminated hands and surfaces, and the stomach bug is worsening an already active season for respiratory viruses.
Take a look at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s respiratory illness tracker and you’ll see that Pennsylvania is marked with a feverish red as activity remains high in the Keystone State. It’s worth noting, however, a recent health communications pause ordered by President Donald Trump has affected some data reporting from the CDC and other federal agencies.
Norovirus has no treatment and is highly contagious. It can linger on objects and surfaces for days or even weeks, as it’s resistant to most disinfectants and hand sanitizers, according to the American Medical Association.
Dehydration is one of the more concerning outcomes of a norovirus infection, according to Dr. Jared Maurer, a primary care provider with Mt. Nittany Health in Philipsburg. If you are unlucky enough to get it, Maurer recommends a steady intake of fluids with electrolytes, such as Gatorade or Liquid IV.
People who are sickened with norovirus should seek immediate medical attention if they find they’re not able to keep fluids down due to nausea and vomiting, Maurer said. In the case of an infant, watch for signs of dehydration, given they can’t tell you what’s wrong.
“In the mouth, around the eyes, typically those are very moist areas, so if those areas are looking dry and not having a lot of moisture, those are signs that dehydration is going on,” Maurer advised.
What should I know about norovirus?
Norovirus easily spreads through the billions of virus particles infected individuals shed in their stool and vomit. It only takes a few of these particles to make someone sick with the norovirus, and its spread is further facilitated by contaminated food, water and surfaces, as explained by the CDC.
Another common vector is poorly washed hands. Hand sanitizer alone isn’t enough to stop the spread. If you do have a habit of using hand sanitizer, ensure you’re also regularly washing your hands with soap and water.
Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain, though fever, headache and body aches are also common.
Most people feel better within a few days, but it’s worth noting you can continue to spread norovirus up to two weeks after you feel better, research has shown.
The CDC recommends taking the following steps to avoid catching the norovirus and spreading it to your family:
- Proper hand washing is essential. Work up a lather and be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. The CDC recommends humming the “Happy Birthday” song to yourself at least twice before you rinse and dry.
- Use disinfecting products or a chlorine bleach solution made with 5 to 25 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water to clean contaminated surfaces, especially those that come into contact with vomit or diarrhea. Follow up by disinfecting the surface with soap and hot water. Then, throw the laundry in the wash, take out the trash and wash your hands.
- When washing possibly contaminated laundry, wear rubber gloves and handle items carefully. Avoid shaking them out. You should wash the items with detergent and hot water at max cycle and dry on the hottest setting possible. Follow up by washing your hands afterwards.
What about respiratory virus activity?
As the norovirus spreads, Pennsylvania is also experiencing a very active respiratory virus season.
The latest available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health tracks influenza and RSV activity through Jan. 18.
According to state data, influenza activity is high and on the rise from the previous reporting week. At least 58,696 lab-confirmed flu cases have been reported between Sept. 29 and Jan. 18. There have also been 96 flu-related deaths among Pennsylvanians for the 2024-25 season.
RSV activity is high but decreasing recently, according to state data, with a total of 27,478 lab-confirmed cases reported as of Jan. 18. Emergency department visits for RSV are declining statewide for all ages.
State data for COVID-19 has been limited since the expiration of mandatory reporting requirements with the end of the national public health emergency May 11, 2023. Available data does show some positive trends, however, with emergency department visits on the decline for all ages.
A total of 540 COVID-19-related deaths have been reported among Pennsylvania residents for the 2024-25 season.