Norovirus—the stomach bug
- Norovirus is a highly contagious illness caused by infection with a virus called norovirus. It is often called by other names, such as viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and food poisoning.
- Norovirus infection causes acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines); the most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
- Anyone can get norovirus, and they can have the illness multiple times during their lifetime.
- Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States.
Norovirus illness can be serious
- Norovirus can make people feel extremely ill and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day.
- Most people get better within 1 to 2 days.
- Dehydration can be a problem among some people with norovirus infection, especially the very young, the elderly, and people with other illnesses.
Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads rapidly
- Noroviruses are highly contagious, and outbreaks are common due to the ease of transmission.
- People with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days and perhaps for as long as 2 weeks after recovery, making control of this disease even more difficult.
- Norovirus can spread rapidly in closed environments like daycare centers and nursing homes
Many sources for norovirus infection
Noroviruses are found in the stool and vomit of infected people. People can become infected by- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
- Touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth.
- Having direct contact with an infected person; for example, by exposure to the virus when caring for or when sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils with an infected person.
CDC Norovirus
Wikipedia - Norovirus
Medicine.Net Norovirus
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