Protecting families from contaminated food and water
All fields are required
Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Norovirus,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on July 8, 2026
A new study on norovirus in the elderly was published in the JAMA Network Open. The study, performed by researchers within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) observed Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health record data for veteran patients seeking care for lab-confirmed norovirus infections.
The findings were shocking!
What is norovirus and how do you get it? How costly is norovirus treatment in the elderly? How do you prevent norovirus? What should you do if you become sick?
Norovirus is a viral infection sometimes referred to as “the stomach flu” despite it being not related to the flu at all. The reason for this is that most people experience many of the same symptoms you see with the influenza virus. However, it is a gastrointestinal virus (as opposed to a respiratory virus).
Norovirus outbreaks are often foodborne due to its highly contagious nature and the way it is transmitted. Experts call this “fecal-oral route.” If those words paint a graphic picture in your mind, you are not entirely wrong.
You become sick with norovirus after touching something an infected person has touched without effectively washing their hands and then eating or touching your own mouth. Or after eating something an infected person (who didn’t effectively wash their hands after bathroom activities) has touched.
It doesn’t take much to become sick either. Health experts say that you can become infected with as few as 10 viral particles. Even trace amounts that you cannot see, taste, or smell can be enough to spread infection.
Those more vulnerable to illness are more likely to become infected if exposed and experience more serious illness if infected.
Anyone can become sick with norovirus. People of all ages have been reported in norovirus outbreaks. Some studies even suggest that your genes are a factor in whether or not you become seriously ill with norovirus.
But beyond that, children younger than five years of age, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and people consuming risky foods, such as raw oysters are the most likely to become sick.
Norovirus in the elderly is a big concern.
Earlier this year, the Make Food Safe Blog discussed a CDC report about rates of norovirus.
The CDC receives around 2,500 reports of norovirus outbreaks on average each year. This amounts to some serious health and economic consequences.
Norovirus accounts for:
The seriousness of norovirus in the elderly cannot be overlooked.
More recent data, provided in this scientific study, paints a picture of the costs associated with this more vulnerable population.
The CDC study gathered health record and health cost data for veteran patients who sought care for lab-confirmed norovirus infections at VHA clinics between 2010 and 2024. This data was gathered to determine the outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient healthcare costs associated with treating this viral infection.
Overall, 7,768 norovirus episodes from 7,520 patients were included in this analysis. Some patients were treated more than once over the 14 year period if I am mathing that correctly.
The study identified 3,520 outpatient cases, 2,018 emergency department cases, and 2,230 inpatient cases.
Overall, the median costs were:
But that just gives an overall view. Things got interesting when they looked at specific age groups.
Age 18 to 24 incurred median inpatient costs of $7,751.
Those who were 25 to 44 incurred median inpatient costs of $9,394.
Age 45 to 64 incurred median inpatient costs of $12,777.
Now, lets take a look at those considered “elderly.”
Those 65 to 84 incurred median inpatient costs of $16,075.
Over 85 incurred median inpatient costs of $18,566
The extrapolated annual cost of norovirus infections across the US population aged 65 and older was calculated to be $844 million.
Extrapolated annual cost of $884 million across the US population to treat norovirus in elderly patients
“While norovirus is generally considered a mild acute illness, the findings highlight its substantial economic burden and potential costs savings from targeted interventions, such as vaccines and antivirals, for this adult population,” concluded the authors.
Prevention efforts are one of the best methods to reduce risk of norovirus infections. While you cannot always control everything around you, you can pay attention to a few simple aspects of daily life to reduce your risk of norovirus and other foodborne infections.
It sounds like a no brainer. Wash your hands. Effective hand washing is a great way to prevent most illnesses and take your health into your own hands. Literally. Frequent hand washing may reduce exposure to both respiratory and foodborne germs.
Wash your hands before you eat or prepare food, after you use the restroom or help someone use the restroom (including changing diapers), and as often as you think about it.
For elderly people who rely on others to help them with daily tasks, this may be more difficult than others. You cannot always control who is around you. But you can try.
The best way to avoid illness is to avoid being around people who are sick.
Keep an ear out for friends and family saying that “the stomach bug has been going around their family.” Perhaps err on the side of caution and reschedule for a time when everyone is feeling better.
Whether you are trying to reduce exposure to norovirus or other harmful germs, thoroughly washing all your fruits and vegetables is a good way to reduce the spread of illness.
Not only can produce be contaminated at the farm before it arrives at the grocery store, once it is there, other exposure opportunities may occur. While it is in the bins and on the shelf, anyone can pick it up to examine it at the store. How many times has that apple been handled before it made it to your cart? How clean were all of those hands? These are the questions you don’t want to think about, but absolutely should.
It’s just a good practice to wash all of your produce before you eat it or cut it. Even those that you do not eat the rind or skin. As a knife drags through the flesh, any lurking germs on the surface can make their way inside. So don’t forget to wash those oranges, avocados, limes and even your melons.
If you are already sick with norovirus, here are a few tips to help.
Dehydration is a serious complication. Especially for gastrointestinal illnesses causing significant vomiting or diarrhea that depletes your body of necessary water.
Drink plenty of fluids, replace electrolytes with products designed to help with that. But avoid those overly sweetened.
It’s also a good idea to stay away from caffeine and sugary drinks while you recover.
While you recover, get plenty of rest. Your body is helping to repair itself while you are resting. Give it a chance to do what it does best.
Go to bed early. Take naps. Avoid strenuous activity.
Your body will thank you.
If you are experiencing severe norovirus symptoms, seek medical attention right away. If you are elderly or in a higher risk group, this is very important. Early intervention and dehydration monitoring can make a huge difference in your recovery.
If you or someone you know have been sick with norovirus lately, you are not alone. Cases continue to flow into emergency rooms and urgent care centers.
Check in with your elderly relatives.
If you or a loved one have become sick with foodborne norovirus, it’s a good idea to get advice from an experienced norovirus lawyer.
If you have been seriously impacted by your norovirus illness, you may have a legal case.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a norovirus lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars in food contamination and product liability suits to help cover medical expenses, missed work, caring for loved ones, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness.
Call (833) 330-3663 or submit your information on the online submission form for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)