PRESS RELEASE
As cases of norovirus rise across the U.S., the West Virginia Department of Health is urging residents to remain vigilant against this highly contagious virus. Commonly known as the “stomach bug,” norovirus spreads quickly in communities, especially in close-contact settings such as schools, nursing homes, and daycare centers.
In West Virginia, State Epidemiologist Shannon McBee, MPH, CHES, reports that West Virginia saw a 65% increase in the number of Norovirus cases reported from November to December of 2024, which is nearly double the average number of cases for that time period. Nationally, outbreaks of Norovirus are up and while West Virginia residents are not seeing outbreaks occurring in congregate settings such as long-term care facilities or schools yet, the state could start to see reports come in as the holiday festivities conclude and students return to the classroom…