Race Day Live (Brevard County, FL) – Health officials in Florida’s Space Coast are grappling with a significant surge in norovirus cases, marking one of the most severe outbreaks recorded during this time of year. Experts warn that the highly contagious stomach virus is spreading rapidly, infecting large numbers of people.
“It’s just worse in numbers. It’s broad, it’s infecting a lot of people,” said Dr. Timothy Laird, a family medicine physician at Health First.
Families Hit Hard
The Goss family experienced the virus firsthand. Krissy Goss explained how it swept through her household after her grandchildren fell ill.
“She felt terrible for about three days, pretty intestinal and a little bit of throwing up,” Goss said about her granddaughter, who struggled with symptoms for nearly a week.
This story is becoming all too familiar. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded 91 norovirus outbreaks in the first week of December alone—the highest number since 2012.
A Hygiene Setback
Dr. Laird points to declining hygiene practices as a contributing factor.
“COVID is not in the news as much, so people aren’t as good at handwashing,” he noted, emphasizing that handwashing is crucial for preventing norovirus. Unlike many other infections, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against the virus.
“Alcohol hand gels, while really useful for a lot of infections, are not useful for norovirus,” he explained.
How to Stay Safe
Health officials recommend the following to reduce the risk of norovirus:
- Wash hands frequently: Use soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
- Avoid cooking for others: Refrain from preparing food for at least 30 days after recovering from norovirus, as the virus can linger.
- Monitor vulnerable groups: Children under one-year-old and seniors are particularly at risk for severe symptoms.
“You’re very contagious while you’re sick, but you can shed this virus for up to a month afterwards,” Dr. Laird cautioned.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most people recover from norovirus within one to three days, but severe dehydration, light-headedness, or blood in waste are warning signs that require emergency care.
Goss’s family learned the hard way just how aggressive the virus can be. “They’re pretty darn healthy, so it hit my granddaughter pretty bad for her to be sick for four days,” she said.
Health Department Response
FOX 35 contacted the Brevard Department of Health for local case numbers but was told that norovirus is not a reportable disease in Florida. However, the agency emphasized, “The best way to prevent norovirus is to practice proper hand-washing and general cleanliness.”
Final Thoughts
With norovirus cases at a record high, experts are urging vigilance and good hygiene practices to stop the spread. As Dr. Laird put it, “No matter what it is, wash your hands. Make sure you stay clean.”
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