Winter months consistently produce the highest numbers of Norovirus outbreaks; however early reports suggest that the bug may be striking a particularly large number of victims this season.
In the United Kingdom, the number of confirmed Norovirus cases has risen to 72 percent higher than this time last year. In total, 3,877 citizens have been confirmed with infections, up from 2,255 a year ago.
But for every confirmed case of Norovirus, experts estimate that another 288 cases go unreported. That means that more than 1.1 million UK citizens may have already suffered bouts with the bug, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain.
The Canadian province of British Columbia has also seen its greatest number of November and December Norovirus cases since 2006. Some healthcare facilities in the region have closed off portions of their premises for disinfection in attempts to prevent further spread of the virus.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Norovirus sickens an estimated 21 million Americans each year, contributing to 70,000 hospitalizations and 800 deaths. While most cases result from human contact, Norovirus also remains the most common source of foodborne illness in the U.S. and is regularly associated with leafy greens, fresh fruits and shellfish.
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