Norovirus suspected in Faial gastroenteritis outbreak

Wednesday, 19 August 2026AI summary
Norovirus suspected in Faial gastroenteritis outbreak
Photo: Getty Images

A gastroenteritis outbreak on the island of Faial has sent nearly 500 people to the emergency room, with health authorities identifying a highly transmissible norovirus as the likely cause. Officials suggest the surge in cases is linked to increased summer travel and note that the virus has relatively spared the elderly population.