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What is Norovirus?
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Noroviruses are responsible for most cases of non-bacterial gastroenteritis
in humans, most commonly referred to as the “stomach flu.” Noroviruses are
responsible for at least 50 percent of all food-borne outbreaks
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What are the symptoms of Norovirus? |
The
symptoms of Norovirus include vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps,
nausea and occasionally a low-grade fever.
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How
is Norovirus spread? |
Norovirus is highly
contagious. It is transmitted primarily by consumption of contaminated food
or water or by direct person-to-person spread. Most Norovirus outbreaks
begin with infection of food by a food-handler immediately before its
consumption.
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How
can I keep from getting Norovirus? |
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Carefully
wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
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Wash your
hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food, after using
the bathroom and after changing diapers
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Avoid
contact with an infected person
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Properly
cook oysters before eating
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If
I’ve been exposed to Norovirus, how long will it take for symptoms to
develop?
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Usually, the initial symptoms of Norovirus occur between 24 and 48 hours
after exposure, but occasionally symptoms can begin as early as 12 hours
after exposure. |
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What treatments are available for Norovirus? How serious is the virus? |
There is currently
no specific therapy for Noroviruses. When people are ill with vomiting and
diarrhea, they should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Dehydration among young children, the elderly, the sick, can be common, and
it is the most serious health effect that can result from norovirus
infection. In some instances, people with Norovirus must seek medical care
to receive additional fluids.
Nororvirus symptoms
usually last 12 to 60 hours.
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Who
is at the highest risk of being infected with Norovirus?
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Generally, those in closed environments, such as nursing homes, cruise
ships, schools and day care centers, are at the highest risk of being
infected after the virus is introduced. The elderly and infants run the
greatest risk of complications from the virus, such as severe dehydration.
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Where can I get more information on Norovirus? |
For
more information online, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control at
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus.htm. For
information about Norovirus and people who prepare food, please visit
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-foodhandlers.htm
Or,
you can call the Health Department’s Epidemiology Services at 859.363.2070. |
