Norovirus / Norwalk Virus
Commonly called the Stomach Flu or Winter Vomiting Bug
Pathogen
The Norovirus is round and noneveloped (it doesn't have a viral protection cover over it's capsid), single structural, with an uneven surface. This disease contains RNA.
The Norovirus is Viral
It is not alive and cannot be killed.
Effects of the Disease
Acute diarrhea and/or vomiting in an outbreak manner, abdominal cramps, muscle pain, discomfort, headache, nausea, and low-grade fever.
Types of People it Can Effect
This virus can infect anyone many times throughout life.
Transmitting the Disease
You can contract the disease by oral ingestion. It is ingested from contaminated water or foods or are spread from person to person by the fecal-oral route. Viruses grow in the small intestine.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is suggested by severe diarrhea and/or vomiting in an outbreak setting. Norwalk virus may be identified in stool specimens. The virus RNA has recently been detected in stool samples.
Treatment
No specific antiviral therapy is available for the Norwalk virus, possibilities for vaccine development seem low because of the complex pattern of immunity to the Norwalk virus.
Prevention
Hand washing and careful monitoring of water purification are the most important measures in the control of infection.