Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Norovirus Cases Rising, Doctors Warn of Dangerous Dehydration Risks
A tiny germ called norovirus makes people sick with a very upset tummy.
People often call it the 'stomach flu,' but it is not the flu at all.
It makes you throw up, get diarrhea, and feel very tired and achy.
The germ spreads easily when people touch dirty hands, doorknobs, food, or water.
That is why lots of people in schools, offices, and homes get sick at the same time.
The most dangerous part is losing too much water, which doctors call dehydration.
Children and older people can get very weak from dehydration very quickly.
Washing hands well with soap and water is one of the best ways to stay safe.
If you are still very sick after 12 hours, you should see a doctor.
Most people get better in a few days by resting and drinking lots of fluids.
Doctors report a current rise in norovirus-like viral stomach infections, commonly known as the 'stomach flu' though unrelated to influenza.
Symptoms can appear suddenly and include vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, weakness, chills, fever and body aches.
Norovirus spreads through contaminated hands, food, water and shared surfaces, and can survive on surfaces for long periods without proper cleaning.
Dehydration is the biggest concern, especially for children and the elderly; doctors advise seeking care if symptoms do not improve within 12 hours.
Prevention centres on frequent handwashing with soap and water, disinfecting surfaces, drinking clean water, eating properly cooked food, and isolating sick family members.
- Who
- Doctors at Indian hospitals, including Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Dr Meghraj Ingle and Dr Sanjay Nagarkar, and patients affected by norovirus-like stomach infections.
- What
- A rise in norovirus-like viral stomach infections, with warnings about rapid spread, dangerous dehydration, and when to seek medical help.
- When
- Currently — doctors say they are noticing the rise now; no specific dates are given.
- Where
- India, including Mumbai and Pune, along with crowded public spaces such as schools, offices, restaurants, hospitals and residential buildings.
- Why
- Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads easily through contaminated hands, food, water and shared surfaces.
- Virus
- Norovirus (called 'stomach flu', unrelated to influenza)
- Main symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, weakness, chills, fever, body aches
- How it spreads
- Contaminated hands, food, water and shared surfaces; crowded spaces like schools and offices
- Biggest risk
- Dehydration, which can become serious within hours in children and the elderly
- When to see a doctor
- Symptoms not improving within 12 hours; blood in stools, persistent vomiting, fainting, reduced urination, confusion
- Recovery advice
- Simple meals, oral rehydration solutions, electrolyte drinks, coconut water and rest
- Prevention
- Handwashing with soap and water, disinfecting surfaces, avoiding shared utensils, drinking clean water, eating properly cooked food
- Experts quoted
- Dr Manjusha Agarwal (Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai), Dr Meghraj Ingle (Zen Multispeciality Hospital), Dr Sanjay Nagarkar (Apollo Spectra Hospital Pune)