A highly contagious stomach virus commonly known as the “vomit bug” is spreading across multiple regions of the United States, raising public health concerns as cases continue to rise.
The outbreak, identified as Norovirus, was reported on May 29 by NBC News, with infections confirmed in several areas including Southern California.
The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) said hikers in the Wrightwood area have experienced gastrointestinal illness symptoms and is working with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health to assess the situation.
In a statement posted on Instagram, the organization said it will share further updates once more information becomes available.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s NoroSTAT system indicates a significant increase in norovirus activity, with 1,194 reported cases between Aug. 1 and May 7, compared with 2,534 cases during a similar period in previous years.
Amanda Bidwell, scientific program manager at WastewaterSCAN, said national monitoring continues to show elevated levels of the virus.
“At the national level, norovirus is still in the HIGH category due to high concentrations over the last 21 days,” she said.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms such as sudden vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, fever, headache and body aches. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last one to three days.
Health experts say the virus spreads easily through close contact, contaminated food or water, and touching infected surfaces. It can also spread through tiny airborne particles released during vomiting, particularly in crowded environments such as schools, nursing homes, camps and cruise ships.
Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are considered most at risk due to the risk of severe dehydration.
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Officials advise frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces with bleach-based cleaners, avoiding crowded places while ill for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop, and maintaining proper hydration. Severe symptoms, including dehydration, high fever or blood in stool, require immediate medical attention.
