"Kawasaki-Like" Norovirus Strain Surge Expected in Georgia This Winter

BETWEEN GA:     Health officials are warning Georgia residents of a potential surge in a new and aggressive strain of norovirus this winter, often referred to as the "winter vomiting disease." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a significant uptick in cases involving the GII.17 strain, causing concern among public health experts that this season could see higher-than-average infection rates across the Southern United States, including Georgia. Confirmed outbreaks have already been noted in nursing facilities in Southwest Georgia, specifically around Albany and Thomasville, prompting heightened alerts for the rest of the state.

     Unlike the previously dominant strains, this new variation has shown an ability to evade population immunity, meaning even those who have recently battled a stomach bug may be susceptible again. Data from late 2025 indicates that norovirus activity is already rising ahead of the typical holiday peak. The virus is notoriously contagious and can survive on surfaces for days, making schools, healthcare facilities, and family gatherings common breeding grounds for outbreaks.

     Symptoms of this strain appear sudden and intense, typically developing within 12 to 48 hours of exposure. Victims often experience projectile vomiting, severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, and occasionally a low-grade fever or body aches. While the illness is usually short-lived, lasting only one to three days, the primary danger lies in rapid dehydration. Residents should seek medical attention immediately if they experience signs of severe dehydration, bloody stools, or if vomiting persists for more than three days.

     Currently, there is no specific medical cure or antiviral medication for norovirus, and because it is a viral infection, antibiotics are entirely ineffective. The only course of treatment is supportive care focused on aggressive rehydration. Medical professionals recommend drinking clear fluids like water, broths, or electrolyte-rich oral rehydration solutions. Once the vomiting subsides, patients are advised to stick to a bland diet, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, while strictly avoiding sugary drinks or fatty foods that can worsen symptoms.

     To prevent the spread within a household, specific and rigorous disinfection protocols are required because standard cleaning wipes often fail to kill this hardy virus. For hard, non-porous surfaces like countertops, toilets, and doorknobs, the most effective disinfectant is a chlorine bleach solution. A mixture of 1/3 cup to 1.5 cups of household bleach per gallon of water is recommended, depending on the level of soil. The surface must remain wet with this solution for at least five minutes to ensure the virus is neutralized. For soft surfaces like carpets, steam cleaning at 158°F for five minutes is the only reliable method to kill the pathogen.

     Laundering contaminated clothing or linens also requires special attention. Items should be handled with disposable gloves to avoid direct contact and washed on the longest available cycle with hot water and detergent, then dried on the highest heat setting. Residents should be aware that individuals remain contagious for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop, and the virus can continue to shed in the body for up to two weeks. Consequently, those recovering should strictly avoid preparing food for others for at least two days after they feel completely well.

     Transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food or water, or touching contaminated surfaces and then putting hands in the mouth. Public health reports have specifically highlighted raw or undercooked shellfish as a high-risk food source for this particular outbreak. Residents in counties like Walton and Paulding are advised to remain vigilant. The most reliable defense remains thorough hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, as alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill norovirus effectively.