Norovirus – Community Corner

This information is taken directly from the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html For more information.

• Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States.
• People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus.
• Proper handwashing and other simple steps can help prevent getting and spreading norovirus
• Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
• It is sometimes called the “stomach flu” or the “stomach bug.” However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines.
• Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days; but they can still spread the virus for a few days after.

Signs and symptoms:

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus.

Symptoms include: Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches.

Dehydration:

If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids), especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include:

Decreased urination, Dry mouth and throat, Feeling dizzy when standing up. Crying with few or no tears, Unusual sleepiness or fussiness

Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus and people of all ages get infected during norovirus outbreaks.        

Anyone who consumes raw shellfish is at risk of contracting norovirus. Children younger than 5 years old, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections.

How it spreads:

Norovirus spreads very easily and quickly in different ways. You can get norovirus by:

Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, like caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.

Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.

Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.

You can still spread norovirus for 2 weeks or more after you feel better.

Prevention:

Norovirus is very contagious, but you can take steps to protect yourself and others, including:

• Wash your hands well and often.
• Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
• Wash laundry in hot water.
• Stay home when sick for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop.