Norovirus

Norovirus is a genus of genetically diverse single-stranded RNA, non-enveloped viruses in Caliciviridae family. The viruses are transmitted by fecally contaminated food or water, by person-to-person contact, and via aerosolization of the virus and subsequent contamination of surfaces.

Norovirus can survive for long periods outside a human host depending on the surface and temperature conditions: can stay for weeks on hard surfaces and up to 12 days on contaminated fabrics, and it can survive for months, maybe even years in contaminated still water. The virus survives 7 days after contamination on several surfaces used for food preparation.

Noroviruses have a big impact on people’s health. Noroviruses are responsible for more than half of all food-borne disease outbreaks each year. They are the most common cause of diarrhea in adults and the second most common cause in children.

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause inflammation of the stomach and large intestine lining; they are the leading cause of gastroenteritis in the U.S. . They are originally called the Norwalk virus.

Noroviruses are sometimes called food poisoning, because they can be transmitted through food that’s been contaminated with the virus. They aren’t always the result of food contamination. Noroviruses are also called the stomach flu, although they aren’t the influenza virus.

People become infected with noroviruses when they eat food and drink liquids that have been contaminated, raw or undercooked oysters and raw fruits and vegetables have been implicated in some outbreaks. You can also get infected if you touch an object or surface that has been infected with the virus and then touch an object or surface that has been infected with the virus and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.

Noroviruses can survive temperature extremes in water and on surfaces.

Once someone is infected from contaminated food, the virus can quickly pass from person to person through shared food or utensils, by shaking hands or through other close contact. People who have weekend immune system are particularly susceptible to catching noroviruses.

If you come down with a norovirus infection, you will probably go from being completely healthy to feeling absolutely miserable within a day or two after being exposed to the virus. 

Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea and stomach cramps. Other norovirus symptoms include: low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue.

Most of these symptoms aren’t serious, but diarrhea and vomiting can deplete your body of the fluid it needs and you can become dehydrated. Children and the elderly are most susceptible to dehydration, as well as malnutrition from not getting enough nutrients.

You have to take stool test to confirm that you have the illness. 

A small percentage of people who are infected with noroviruses never have any symptoms, which suggests they might have some natural protection from the virus.

Noroviruses, like other viruses, don’t respond to antibiotics, which are designed to kill bacteria. No antiviral drug can treat noroviruses, but in healthy people the illness go away on its own within a couple of days. Most people don’t have any long-term problems from the virus.

To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of liquids, especially water and juices. Drink an oral rehydration solution to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Avoid sugary drinks, which can make diarrhea worse, as well as alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can dehydrate you further.

Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness when standing, dry mouth and decrease in urination. Severe dehydration is sometimes treated with intravenous (IV) fluids. 

Good hygiene is the key to prevent an infection with norovirus, especially when you are in close surroundings with people. So wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after going to the bathroom and before you prepare or eat food. Carefully dispose contaminated items. Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Cook oysters and other shellfish before eating them. Clean and disinfect surfaces with the mixture of detergent and chlorine bleach after someone is sick. If you have norovirus, don’t prepare food for at least two to three days after you feel better. Try not to eat food that has been prepared by someone else who is sick.