Norovirus Cases on the Rise in Fargo-Moorhead and Beyond

Health officials are seeing a surge in norovirus cases across the Fargo-Moorhead area, with higher-than-usual outbreaks of the highly contagious stomach virus this winter.
Known as the “winter vomiting disease,” norovirus spreads rapidly in places where people gather indoors, such as schools, daycares, and nursing homes. According to Dr. Avish Nagpal, an infectious disease physician at Sanford Medicine, the virus is making more people sick than in previous years.
“Norovirus is a very contagious gastrointestinal disease, and we’re seeing more cases than usual,” Nagpal said. “It spreads easily in shared spaces, especially where people use the same restroom facilities.”
Rising Norovirus Outbreaks
State and national data confirm this season’s spike in cases:
• Minnesota: In December 2024 alone, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported 76 norovirus outbreaks, three to four times higher than the usual number for that time of year. These outbreaks affected more than 1,500 people.
• North Dakota: Officials report a similar trend, with a sharp rise in flu and norovirus cases, including more than 600 flu cases in a single week.
• Nationally: The CDC recorded 1,676 norovirus outbreaks between August 1, 2024, and February 5, 2025—an increase from previous years.
While individual norovirus cases are not required to be reported in Minnesota, facilities experiencing multiple cases should notify local health officials.
Prevention & Symptoms
Norovirus symptoms come on quickly and include severe vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and dehydration. While it typically runs its course within a few days, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of complications.
Health experts recommend frequent handwashing with soap and water—as alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not effectively kill norovirus. If you or someone in your home is sick, disinfecting surfaces and staying hydrated are key to recovery.
As cases continue to rise in Fargo-Moorhead and the Detroit Lakes region, health officials advise extra caution in shared spaces to prevent further spread.
Source: Minnesota Department of Health, North Dakota Department of Health, CDC
(Published: February 21, 2025)
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