The highly contagious norovirus, often dubbed the "stomach bug," is wreaking havoc this season, particularly in crowded spaces like cruise ships. Of the 16 outbreaks reported aboard cruises nationwide in 2024, five occurred in December, leaving nearly 900 passengers and crew members praying to porcelain gods. For Floridians, this news is particularly sobering, given the state's reputation as a cruise hub.
So, What Exactly Is Norovirus?
Let's start with the bad news. Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States, according to the CDC. If that doesn't make someone stock up on disinfectant, perhaps this will: The virus spreads like wildfire through contaminated food, surfaces, and even tiny airborne particles. Yes, that's right, airborne — in bathrooms."Norovirus typically causes projectile vomiting and diarrhea for 24 to 48 hours," Dr. Ruth Ann Crystal explains in a recent installment of her weekly infectious disease-focused Substack newsletter. "It is mostly spread through contaminated food and surfaces."
The good news? While there's no magic pill to cure norovirus, the misery usually only lasts 24 to 48 hours. Symptoms include projectile vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Doctors advise staying home, drinking plenty of water, and letting the virus run its course.
But beware of lingering effects.
"Some people can become lactose intolerant for weeks to months after a norovirus infection," Crystal warns. "It may be important to reintroduce dairy slowly."
Prevention Is Key
While masks may help reduce the spread in some cases, experts caution that they're not a silver bullet. The best defense? Old-school hygiene. Here's how to stay ahead of the sickly game:1. Wash your hands like you mean it: Hand sanitizer is great for many germs, but norovirus laughs in its face. Scrubbing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is essential. "Hand sanitizer does not kill norovirus, so washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water is key to preventing norovirus," Crystal notes.
2. Avoid food prep when sick: Handling food while infected is practically an RSVP for spreading the virus. Do everyone a favor and take a sick day from the kitchen.
3. Clean surfaces thoroughly: Disinfect countertops, doorknobs, and any other high-touch surfaces regularly. Norovirus can survive on surfaces for days, so a quick wipe won't cut it.
4. Think twice in shared bathrooms: Bathrooms can become norovirus hot spots. If you know someone's been sick, proceed with caution — and maybe a mask. "The virus can also occasionally be spread by aerosolization in bathrooms," Crystal adds. "Wearing a mask in a bathroom where a person with norovirus has been can also help prevent spread."
Why Florida?
It's no surprise that Florida ranks high on the norovirus list, given its bustling cruise industry and year-round tourism. Cruise ships, with their close quarters and shared facilities, are the perfect petri dish for the virus. But let's not forget other crowded settings like schools, daycare centers, and nursing homes, which also contribute to the spread of the virus.While Florida's cruise industry brings millions of visitors and boosts the economy, it also makes the state more vulnerable to outbreaks. The CDC's CaliciNet database, which tracks norovirus cases, highlights the importance of hygiene in high-traffic environments.
