NOROVIRUS
What are noroviruses?
Norovirus is a virus that causes the "stomach flu," or vomiting and diarrhea, in people.
What are the symptoms of illness caused by noroviruses?
Norovirus illness usually begins 24 - 48 hours after exposure, but can appear as early as 10 hours after exposure. Symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Sometimes people have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness is usually brief, with symptoms lasting only 1 or 2 days.
Norovirus disease is usually not serious, but people may feel very sick. Most people get better within 1 or 2 days, and have no long-term health effects from the illness. Sometimes people are unable to drink enough liquids to replace what they lose from vomiting and diarrhea. So, they can become dehydrated and need to see a doctor. This problem usually occurs only among the very young, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases.
How is norovirus spread?
Noroviruses is easily spread from person to person. The virus is found in the feces and vomit of infected people. People can become infected in several ways including:
- eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated
- touching contaminated surfaces or objects then touching their mouth before washing their hands
- having direct contact with another person who is infected and then touching their mouth before handwashing.
Persons working in day-care centers or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have norovirus illness. This virus can spread quickly in these places.