Specific Disease Frequently Asked Questions | Norovirus
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What are noroviruses?
Noroviruses are members of a group of viruses called caliciviruses also
known previously as "Norwalk-like viruses."
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Norovirus causes nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea accompanied by abdominal
cramps. Headache, fever/chills, and muscle aches can also be present.
Symptoms usually last 1 to 2 days and begin 24 to 48 hours after ingestion
of the virus.
How is norovirus spread?
Norovirus is found in the stool or vomit of infected people. People can
become infected in several ways, including:
- eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus
- touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then
placing their hand in their mouth
- having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing
symptoms (for example, when caring for someone with illness, or sharing
foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill)
Are noroviruses contagious?
Noroviruses are very contagious and can spread easily from person-to-person.
Both stool and vomit are infectious. Particular care should be taken with
young children in diapers who may have diarrhea. People 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 is extremely important for people to use good
hand washing and other hygienic practices after they have recently recovered
from norovirus illness.
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What can I do to prevent norovirus
illness?
Yes. You can decrease your chance of coming in contact with noroviruses
by following these preventative steps:
- Frequently wash your hands, especially after toilet visits and changing
diapers and before eating or preparing food.
- Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating
them.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after
an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
- Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated
with virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap)
- Flush or discard any vomitus and/or stool in the toilet and make sure the surrounding area is kept clean.
Persons infected with norovirus should not prepare food while
they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their symptoms.
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What treatment is available
for people with norovirus infection?
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.
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