Norovirus :: Increase in Norovirus Infection

Infectious disease surveillance systems at the Rhode Island Department of Health are detecting widespread circulation of norovirus gastroenteritis through reports of absenteeism from schools, clusters in nursing homes, hospital outbreaks, and alerts from emergency departments.

Cases have been confirmed by specialized laboratory testing at the state health laboratory. This spike in norovirus infection occurs every year around this time, but is more severe this year in Rhode Island and nationally. Norovirus causes short-term, gastro-intestinal illness, sometimes referred to as ‘stomach flu’ (this is NOT the same infection as influenza) . Symptoms include the sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.


Leave a Comment