REPORTINGNorovirus
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is one of a group of viruses that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping.
How do I catch it?
Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. You can become infected by:
- eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus;
- touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing your hand in your mouth;
- having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms.
Noroviruses are very contagious and spread easily from person to person. Infected people are contagious as soon as they start to feel sick until three days after they recover.
What are the symptoms of Norovirus?
Norovirus symptoms generally last one or two days and include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramping
- Low-grade fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Fatigue
They usually begin 24 to 48 hours after the virus enters your body, but they can start as early as 12 hours after exposure.
Is Norovirus dangerous?
Norovirus can make you feel very sick and vomit many times, but the symptoms usually quit after a day or two. The illness has no long-term health effects. You can, though, become dehydrated if you can't replace the liquid you're losing from vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration could require special medical attention. It happens most often with the very young, elderly and people with other illnesses.
Is there treatment for Norovirus?
There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus infection. There is also no drug to treat people infected with the virus.
Is Norovirus preventable?
You can decrease your chances of contacting noroviruses by following these steps:
- Frequently wash your hands, particularly after toilet visits and changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.
- Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
- Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with the virus after an episode of illness. Use hot water and soap.
- Flush or discard any vomit and/or stool in the toilet and made sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.
Click on the following for norovirus stastistics for the five northern counties:
Here are some links to helpful information: