Here are the places in GA you’re most likely to catch the vomiting disease spreading in the state
A highly contagious strain of the Norovirus is making its rounds through Georgia, and some conditions can make the gastrointestinal virus a lot worse.
Traceone, a food and beverage compliance software company warns, “certain populations are at higher risk for severe outcomes, including young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.”
Areas in which individuals have to share surfaces or are in close proximity are a hotbed for the virus, so safety while visiting is the utmost priority.
Top outbreak locations
- Healthcare facilities: Over half of U.S. outbreaks occur in hospitals and nursing homes, where vulnerable patients and staff spread it rapidly through contact.
- Schools and daycares: Kids in close proximity fuel person-to-person transmission, especially during cold months when everyone huddles indoors.
- Cruise ships: Confined spaces and buffets make them notorious—recent Florida port voyages saw multiple hits from tainted food or surfaces.
- Restaurants and food service: Contaminated hands or ingredients spark foodborne cases, often traced to shellfish or salads.
- Nursing homes and long-term care: Elderly residents face severe risks, with outbreaks surging in Midwest and Northeast states like Michigan and Connecticut.
When outbreaks occur most
Norovirus outbreaks are more prevalent in the colder months. Cases begin to rise in November and continue to rise as the temperature drops.
The CDC reports that January, February and March “alone accounted for more than half of all reported norovirus outbreaks during the 10-year period.”
Colder weather drives people inside and close quarters makes for easy spread of contagions.
How to avoid spreading norovirus
Norovirus spreads easily, and people are most contagious while they have symptoms and for at least a couple of days afterward
Key steps for prevention
- Wash hands for 20 seconds and use soap and hot water. Alcohol-based sanitizers don’t work as well against norovirus.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with bleach-based cleaner or EPA-registered disinfectant.
- Isolate while experiencing symptoms for at least 48 hours after symptoms cease.
If you have to visit some of the high-risk environments or have any of the at-risk populations, make sure you take all the necessary precautions.
If you have any experiences you would like to share, email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published December 13, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Here are the places in GA you’re most likely to catch the vomiting disease spreading in the state."