Here’s where you’re most likely to catch the vomiting disease spreading in NC
Norovirus spreads rapidly and there’s no known treatment for it, but you’re more likely to catch it in some places than in others.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that there were 153 norovirus outbreaks between August and November in 14 states, including North Carolina.
“We have seen increased cases in North Carolina,” Dr. David Weber, an infectious disease specialist at the UNC School of Medicine, previously told The Charlotte Observer.
Norovirus spreads easily through close contact, contaminated food or water, or infected surfaces, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) — but where are you most likely to catch it?
Here’s what you need to know.
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Top norovirus outbreak locations
• Norovirus outbreaks are most common in close-quarter settings like schools, workplaces and health care facilities, according to the NCDHHS.
• More than half of norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. occur in hospitals, long-term care facilities and nursing homes, according to the CDC, which also notes that kids in proximity in school settings fuel person-to-person transmission.
• Cruise ships and restaurants are also among the most common places to catch norovirus, the agency says.
Can you get norovirus from food?
The CDC also says anyone who eats raw shellfish can be exposed to norovirus. The agency warns that “if eaten raw, oysters and other filter-feeding shellfish can contain viruses and bacteria that can cause illness or death.”
Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk for developing severe symptoms, the CDC says.
How to treat norovirus
There’s no targeted treatment once symptoms begin, so recovery mostly means waiting it out while managing how you feel.
To reduce the risk of complications, try the following:
- Stay hydrated. Replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea with water, clear broths, fruit juices or sports drinks.
- Consider oral rehydration solutions if other liquids are hard to keep down, as they help your body absorb fluids more efficiently.
- Rest as much as possible to support your body’s recovery.
- Stick to bland foods once you’re able to eat again, choosing soft, gentle options as you ease back into normal meals.
- Steer clear of caffeine, alcohol and very sugary drinks.
- Use over-the-counter medications cautiously, as they may help with some symptoms but aren’t always appropriate
When should you see a doctor?
You should seek medical attention if you develop diarrhea that doesn’t go away within several days, according to Mayo Clinic.
You should also contact your doctor if you experience severe vomiting, bloody stools, stomach pain or dehydration.
How to prevent norovirus
You can use these tips to help prevent norovirus infections in your household, according to NCDHHS:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water often.
- Handle and prepare food safely.
- When you are sick, do not prepare food or care for others who are sick.
- Wash laundry thoroughly.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces.
When it comes to choosing a disinfectant for surfaces, Weber recommended checking the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of disinfectants that are effective against norovirus. He also advised people to focus on “ready-to-use” products under “formulation type” on the list, instead of dilutable products more suitable for hospital or nursing home settings.
Inspired by a story from the The Island Packet in South Carolina.
This story was originally published December 19, 2025 at 11:58 AM with the headline "Here’s where you’re most likely to catch the vomiting disease spreading in NC."
