Top in ID: Norovirus cases increase; at-home COVID-19 tests less effective against omicron

Data from a dozen states suggest that norovirus cases are rebounding, likely because Americans are not taking the same level of precautions to prevent COVID-19 as they did earlier in the pandemic.

It was the top story in infectious disease last week.

Another top story was about the effectiveness of at-home COVID-19 tests. A recent study found that the sensitivity of rapid antigen tests fell as omicron became the predominant variant.

Read these and more top stories in infectious disease below:

Norovirus returns to pre-pandemic levels, CDC data show

After a slump in reported norovirus outbreaks during the pandemic, numbers have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels as COVID-19 mitigation measures have eased around the country, CDC researchers reported Thursday. Read more.

At-home COVID-19 tests less effective after omicron emergence

The performance of many COVID-19 home-testing kits worsened after the omicron variant emerged, according to a recent study. Read more.

Completion of antibiotic therapy ‘overwhelmingly more important’ than mode of therapy

A recent study suggests that incomplete antibiotic therapy should be avoided and that transition to oral antibiotics should be offered to people who inject drugs being treated for bacteremia who have declined the standard IV antibiotics. Read more.

Biden says COVID-19 pandemic ‘is over,’ but experts not so sure

President Joe Biden told “60 Minutes” that the COVID-19 pandemic “is over,” saying the worst was likely behind us, but experts questioned if that is the right message for Americans — and whether it is true. Read more.

Uganda declares first Sudan ebolavirus outbreak in a decade

Health authorities in Uganda declared an Ebola outbreak after a case of Sudan ebolavirus was confirmed. Read more.