Noro Virus
Winter vomiting bug
What is the Noro Virus?
Outbreaks
Transmission
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus. Anyone can get infected with norovirus and get sick. Also, you can get norovirus illness many times in your life. One reason for this is that there are many different types of noroviruses. Being infected with one type of norovirus may not protect you against other types.
Norovirus can be found in your stool (feces) even before you start feeling sick. The virus can stay in your stool for 2 weeks or more after you feel better.
You are most contagious
- when you are sick with norovirus illness, and
- during the first few days after you recover from norovirus illness.
You can become infected with norovirus by accidentally getting stool or vomit from infected people in your mouth.
Norovirus outbreaks can also occur from foods, such as oysters, fruits, and vegetables, that are contaminated at their source.
- eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus,
- touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus then putting your fingers in your mouth, or
- having contact with someone who is infected with norovirus (for example, caring for or sharing food or eating utensils with someone with norovirus illness).
Symptoms
The most common symptoms—
- diarrhea
- throwing up
- nausea
- stomach pain
Other symptoms—
- fever
- headache
- body aches
A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.
Treatment
Prevention
Practice proper hand hygiene
Wash fruits and vegetables and cook seafood thoroughly
When you are sick, do not prepare food or care for others who are sick
Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces
Wash laundry thoroughly