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February, 23 2023

Norovirus Is Spreading More Rapidly – And Is On The Rise

The very contagious illness, known as the stomach bug, is on the rise.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released data that confirms norovirus cases have seen a nationwide increase, outpacing last year’s numbers so far. The CDC reports that more than 15% of weekly tests for norovirus have come back positive, which is unusually high for this part of the season.

A Global Concern

The U.S. has the highest trending rates for norovirus during the winter and into the early spring season, from November to April. According to the CDC, the U.S. has 19 to 21 million annual cases of the virus, resulting in 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths yearly.

The virus has also shown an upsurge in other countries as well. The UK Health Security Agency has recently reported that during weeks 3 and 4 of 2022/2023 the seasonal norovirus rates were 66% higher than the 5-season average of the same period prior to the emergence of coronavirus (2014/2015 to 2018/2019).

Preventative Measures

Following growing concern across the globe, precautions are being implemented. The CDC reported that norovirus has led to multiple campus closures at schools and universities. To prevent the spread of this contagious virus, the proper hand hygiene and daily disinfection protocols are necessary. When standard cleaning procedures take too long or fails to contain the spread due to cross-contamination, SteraMist delivers a next-level mechanical disinfection system that easily eliminates norovirus. Schools and universities are the perfect examples of a critical environment that needs the effective, advanced disinfection of SteraMist to keep students and staff healthy and in the classroom.

As an EPA-registered disinfectant with proven efficacy against the norovirus, SteraMist also offers the results and material capability that allows for daily defense against other illnesses that peak during the winter months, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and more. Not only does SteraMist feature efficacy against norovirus but getting rid of it has never been easier. Eradicate the virus without having to wipe or prep surfaces. When time is of the essence, SteraMist is the only choice to disinfect and protect from the spread of norovirus and other dangerous microorganisms. Learn more about SteraMist and its EPA Registration here.