JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Doctors are warning about a rise in illnesses as 2024 comes to a close, including Norovirus, whooping cough, and seasonal flu.
Health experts are urging caution, especially for those traveling or gathering in large groups.
Norovirus Outbreaks Climb Nationwide
Norovirus, often associated with cruise ships, is seeing a sharp rise across the United States. According to CDC data, state health departments reported 91 outbreaks during the week of Dec. 5, compared to 69 the week prior.
The virus, which is highly contagious, causes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, usually within 12 to 47 hours of exposure. Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., often mistaken for food poisoning during holiday gatherings, such as Thanksgiving.
Dr. Jonathon Kantor, a fellow at the Penn Center for Clinical Epidemiology, explained the confusion.
“The challenge of dealing with people, you know, when when we get sick after we’ve eaten, a lot of times people say, ‘OK, I’ve had food poisoning,' and it’s often not clear for people. Have I had food poisoning because it was after Thanksgiving and we left the turkey out for too long, and we ate the turkey we didn’t cook it thoroughly, or is this a viral illness that I’m getting, like norovirus?” Kantor said.
He emphasized that the best remedies are rest and hydration.
Whooping Cough Hits Decade-High Levels
Whooping cough, or pertussis, has reached its highest number of cases in 10 years. The CDC reports more than 32,000 cases in 2024, a sixfold increase from 2023. This surge has renewed focus on vaccination efforts as public trust in vaccines remains a challenge following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Kantor also highlighted the pandemic’s broader impact on vaccine hesitancy.
“One of the lingering effects of COVID-19 has been a downturn in trust in science and institutions, which has translated into fewer people opting for vaccines,” he said.
Flu Season and RSV Add to Strain on Healthcare
The CDC warns of heightened respiratory illness activity nationwide, with RSV hospitalizing more children and flu positivity rates increasing by 12% in the final week of 2024. Public health officials recommend vaccines, proper hygiene, and caution during social gatherings to mitigate the spread.
For more information, visit the CDC’s website or consult with your healthcare provider.