Norovirus cases are rising in Connecticut and across the country as a more contagious strain of the virus spreads, according to infectious disease experts — including Dr. John Nwangwu, professor of public health at Southern Connecticut State University.
In a recent report by CT Insider, Nwangwu explained that while norovirus typically spikes during early winter, the current surge is drawing attention due to the dominance of a newer strain known as GII.17, which has become the most common variant circulating in the U.S.
“I wouldn’t wish this norovirus on anyone really, because for those three days, you’re really in trouble,” Nwangwu said, noting that symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dangerous dehydration, particularly among children and older adults.
Norovirus spreads easily through contaminated surfaces and close contact, making schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and restaurants especially vulnerable to outbreaks. Although symptoms usually resolve within a few days, individuals can remain contagious even after they begin to feel better.
Nwangwu also emphasized that reported cases may underestimate the virus’s true spread, as many people do not seek medical care. Instead, wastewater surveillance data is increasingly being used to track outbreaks, with recent trends showing a sharp increase in norovirus levels across parts of Connecticut.
A consultant to the World Health Organization, Nwangwu has helped address global outbreaks of infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and Ebola, and has appeared in local news media to explain emerging public health threats and prevention strategies.
Read more: CT Insider — “Norovirus spreading in CT, experts say: ‘For 3 days you’re really in trouble’”
