Norovirus

 

Symptoms & Duration: Symptoms usually have a sudden onset and include watery non-bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and nausea.  A low-grade fever may occur and dehydration is possible. The illness usually lasts 24 to 48 hours; however, the Norovirus can still be spread for up to 48 hours after the symptoms stop.

 

Incubation Period: These symptoms usually appear 24 – 48 hours after exposure to the virus.

 

Recovery, Long Term Effects & Immunity: Recovery is usually complete with no serious long-term complications. Immunity against the virus is unclear and short. For some immunity may last up to 14 weeks.  The incidence of illness does occur year round however it is higher in the fall and winter.

 

How Is The Norovirus Spread?

Man is the only known reservoir for the Norovirus therefore Noroviruses are transmitted person to person. Noroviruses can also be transmitted through food too. The “fecal-oral” route is the primary mode of transmission, although environmental contamination and aerosolization of the virus help explain the rapid spread in a group setting. Noroviruses are very contagious and only a few are needed to cause illness.

 

How Do You Prevent Norwalk Infections?

• Thorough hand washing is the best prevention.  Make sure hands are properly washed after using the toilet, changing diapers and before preparing food.
• People ill with diarrhea and other Norovirus symptoms should be isolated from others.
• Carefully dispose of feces, and any materials contaminated with feces and/or vomitus.
• Clean and sanitize washrooms and all hand contact surfaces once daily or as often as needed.
• In long term care institutions, isolate ill residents from group activities until they are symptom-free for 48 hours.  Ill staff should remain off work until symptom-free for 48 hours.
• Encourage visitors to long term care institutions to wash their hands before and after visiting the resident.

 

Date of Creation: June 1, 2015

Last Modified: June 1, 2015