Watch out: The “poo virus” is making the rounds again in the Netherlands

It’s beginning to look a lot like norovirus season. According to the RIVM, the virus, affectionately termed the “poo virus”, has been peaking in recent weeks.

That’s not to say it hasn’t already been around this year. Epidemiologist Eelco Franz of the RIVM tells AD that at the beginning of 2025, the number of infections was also on “the high side.”

Then the summer came and saved us, bringing the number of infections right down.

Now, it’s peaking again

However, with everyone nice and bundled up together as the holidays approach, shit is hitting the fan, so to say.

According to Franz, “it’s peaking quite a bit” in recent weeks. But don’t expect everyone in the office to start suddenly running to the toilet.

While the RIVM is seeing a peak in the number of infections, this is normal for this time of year. It simply marks the start of the norovirus season.

What is the norovirus?

Norovirus is essentially the main cause of what we’d call the stomach flu.

We’re not going to paint too graphic a picture for you, but symptoms typically include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a fever.

If you’re an adult, you can expect it to last two to three days. If you’re an adult with children, we commend you, as symptoms typically last for a week in children.

Want some good news? The variant of norovirus currently circulating should spread less rapidly than the strain the Netherlands experienced in 2024.

This one is more similar to an older strain, which we are more accustomed to.

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