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Norovirus Facts What
are noroviruses?
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis or,
"stomach flu". The symptoms of norovirus illness usually include
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Sometimes people
have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of
tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may
feel very sick. The illness is usually brief, with symptoms lasting only
about 1 or 2 days and no long-term health effects related to the
illness. How
serious is it?
Norovirus illness is usually not serious, although people may feel very sick
and vomit many times a day. Sometimes people are unable to drink enough
liquids to replace the liquids they lost because of vomiting and diarrhea.
These persons can become dehydrated and may need special medical
attention. How
do you become infected?
Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. People
can become infected with the virus in several ways, including:
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eating food or drinking liquids
that are contaminated with norovirus |
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touching surfaces or objects
contaminate with norovirus, then placing their hand in their mouth |
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having direct contact with
another person who is infected and showing symptoms (for example, when
caring for someone with the illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils
with someone who is ill). |
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Symptoms of the illness usually
begin about 24 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus, but they can appear
as early as 12 hours after exposure. |
Is it contagious?
Noroviruses are very contagious and can spread easily from person to
person. Both stool and vomit are infectious. People infected with
norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3
days after recovery. Some people may be contagious for as long as 2 weeks
after recovery. Therefore, it's extremely important for people to use good
handwashing and other hygienic practices after they have recently recovered from
norovirus illness.
Is treatment available?
Currently, there is no antiviral medication that works against norovirus and
there is no vaccine to prevent infection. Norovirus infection cannot
be treated with antibiotics. This is because antibiotics work to fight
bacteria and not viruses.
Can it be prevented?
Yes. You can decrease your chance of coming in contact with
noroviruses by following these preventive steps:
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Wash your hands frequently -
especially after toilet visits and changing diapers and before eating or
preparing food. Handwashing
practices link |
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Wash fruits and vegetables
carefully, and steam oysters before eating them |
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Thoroughly clean and disinfect
contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a
bleach-based household cleaner. |
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Immediately remove and wash
clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of
illness (use hot water and soap) |
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Flush or discard any vomit
and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept
clean.
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Persons who are infected with
norovirus should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for 3 days
after they recover from their illness. Food that may have been
contaminated by an ill person should be disposed of properly. |
For information
from the Centers for Disease Control for Food Handlers and Healthcare
Facilities, click on the links below:
Noroviruses
and Food Handlers
Norovirus in
Healthcare Facilities
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