Norovirus season 2026: stomach bug facts for families
As of November 5, 2026, U.S. norovirus outbreaks are in the normal range for early fall, with 62 reported from August 1 to October 9. CDC says outbreaks peak from November to April, so now is the time to review handwashing, cleanup and how to prevent dehydration.
Health news · reviewed by the clinical team at Urgent Care Center of WestmontUpdated November 5, 2026
CDC's NoroSTAT network counted 62 norovirus outbreaks from August 1 to October 9, 2026, compared with 70 in the same period last season.
Norovirus outbreaks usually peak from November to April.
Symptoms start 12 to 48 hours after exposure, and most people recover in 1 to 3 days.
Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus, so wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Stay home for at least 2 days after vomiting and diarrhea stop.
What the latest norovirus data shows
The CDC NoroSTAT data page, updated October 26, 2026, tracks outbreaks reported by participating states. From August 1 to October 9, 2026, there were 62 norovirus outbreaks, compared with 70 in the same weeks last season. CDC says this year's count is within the normal range for this point in the season.
Norovirus in the U.S.: yearly estimates from CDC
Measure
Typical year
Illnesses
19 to 21 million
Emergency department visits
465,000, mostly young children
Hospital stays
109,000
Deaths
900, mostly adults 65 and older
Reported outbreaks
About 2,500
Peak months
November to April
Those figures come from CDC norovirus facts and stats. Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from stomach illness in the U.S. Early fall numbers are normal, but outbreaks usually climb from November through April.
Norovirus symptoms
Norovirus is often called the stomach flu, but it is not related to influenza. The CDC norovirus overview says symptoms usually start 12 to 48 hours after exposure and include:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Nausea
Stomach pain
Sometimes fever, headache and body aches
Most people feel better within 1 to 3 days. Food poisoning and other stomach viruses can look similar. Read about vomiting and diarrhea and what each pattern can mean.
How norovirus spreads, and for how long
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Norovirus spreads easily. You can catch it through:
Close contact with someone who is sick, such as caring for them or sharing utensils
Food or drinks that were contaminated
Touching a contaminated surface and then your mouth
You can spread norovirus before you feel sick and for 2 weeks or more after you feel better. CDC advises staying home for at least 2 days after symptoms stop. That matters most for food workers and people who work in schools, daycares or nursing homes.
Wash hands with soap and waterScrub for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, and before eating or cooking. Hand sanitizer does not replace handwashing.
Clean up right awayWear gloves, wipe up vomit or diarrhea, then disinfect with a bleach solution of 5 to 25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water. Leave it on for at least 5 minutes.
Wash laundry hotHandle soiled clothes and sheets without shaking them. Wash in hot water on the longest cycle and dry on high heat.
Handle food safelyRinse produce, cook oysters and other shellfish to at least 145°F, and do not cook for others while you are sick.
Dehydration: the main danger
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Children under 5, older adults and people with a weakened immune system are more likely to get seriously ill. The biggest risk is losing too much fluid. CDC lists these signs of dehydration:
Peeing less than usual
Dry mouth and throat
Feeling dizzy when standing up
In children, crying with few or no tears, or being unusually sleepy or fussy
Sip fluids often. CDC says sports drinks may not replace all the minerals you lose, so oral rehydration solutions from the pharmacy are a better choice. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Stomach bug care at our Westmont, IL clinics
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Urgent Care Center of Westmont, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, treats vomiting and diarrhea at two clinics in Westmont, IL, open 7 days a week. Our team is led by board-certified physicians.
A clinician checks for dehydration, examines your belly and asks about food, travel and sick contacts.
Lab tests may be ordered when the cause is unclear or symptoms last longer than expected.
Treatment may include prescription medicine when appropriate. Antibiotics do not treat norovirus, because it is a virus.
Learn more about our stomach flu care and diarrhea treatment. Consider a visit if you cannot keep fluids down, symptoms last more than 3 days, or there are early signs of dehydration. You can book online for the Cass Ave clinic.
Norovirus is circulating at normal early-season levels. CDC's NoroSTAT network counted 62 outbreaks from August 1 to October 9, 2026, slightly fewer than the 70 in the same period last season, and within the usual range. Outbreaks typically peak from November to April, so cases are likely to rise in the coming months.
How long is norovirus contagious?
You can spread norovirus from before symptoms start until 2 weeks or more after you feel better. CDC advises staying home for at least 2 days after vomiting and diarrhea stop, and washing your hands well with soap and water, especially before preparing food for others.
Does hand sanitizer kill norovirus?
Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus. CDC says to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds instead, and that sanitizer is not a replacement for handwashing. This matters most after using the toilet, changing diapers, cleaning up after a sick person and before preparing food.
Is the stomach flu the same as the flu?
No. The stomach flu usually means norovirus or another virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza is a different virus that mainly causes fever, cough, sore throat and body aches. A flu shot does not prevent norovirus, although children with influenza sometimes have vomiting or diarrhea too.
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