[BenLurkin]

Isn’t norovirus what causes cruise ships to have lots of sick customers?

[the OlLine Rebel]

Yes.

[ElenaM]

Yes. Burden of Norovirus Illness and Outbreaks

Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in all age groups in the United States.

Each year on average, norovirus—

causes 19-21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis, and

contributes to 56,000-71,000 hospitalizations and 570-800 deaths, mostly among young children and older adults

Across all ages, 16% of all acute gastroenteritis in the community is caused by norovirus, and 12% of acute gastroenteritis cases that get outpatient care are caused by norovirus.

People can get norovirus illness at any time during the year. But, it is most common in the winter. Also, there can be 50% more norovirus illness in years when there is a new strain of the virus going around.