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What is norovirus?

Noroviruses are a group of viruses (previously known as Norwalk-like viruses) that can cause gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in Minnesota. This infection is often mistakenly referred to as the “stomach flu”. Norovirus is not related to the flu (influenza), which is a common respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.

 

Norovirus infection is a type of viral gastroenteritis (also known as ‘gastro’: inflammation of the stomach and intestines (bowels)). Noroviruses (previously known as Norwalk-like viruses) are small round structured viruses that are members of a group of viruses called caliciviruses.

Signs And Symptoms

Norovirus infection causes gastroenteritis. Noroviruses are a very common cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks in South Australia.

Illness often begins suddenly and symptoms usually last 1 or 2 days. However, during that brief period people can feel very ill and vomit, often violently and without warning, many times a day.

Common symptoms include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• abdominal cramps.

Other symptoms may include:

• headache
• low grade fever
• chills
• muscle aches
• general sense of tiredness.

 

How long does it last?

Most people recover in 1 or 2 days and have no long-term health effects. Dehydration can be a concern in the very young, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. Occasionally infected people may experience milder symptoms for a week or more.

 

How is it spread?

Noroviruses are very contagious. They are found in the stool (feces) or vomit of infected people. From there, noroviruses are transferred to food, water, or surfaces by the hands of infected people who have not washed adequately after using the bathroom.

 

People become infected with norovirus by:

 Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated by an infected person.

 Eating uncooked shellfish that has been harvested from contaminated waters.

 Touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching their mouth or eating without washing their hands first.

 

What should I do if I have symptoms?

 Drink plenty of fluids so you don’t become dehydrated.

 Wash your hands often and do not prepare food for others.

 Contact your health care provider (but remember that antibiotics don’t treat viruses).

 

Diagnosis of norovirus infection

Diagnosis can be made by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing of a faecal sample in a pathology laboratory, but is usually only done for investigation of outbreaks.

Incubation period

(time between becoming infected and developing symptoms)

Symptoms usually begin 24 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus, but can appear as early as 12 hours after exposure.

 

Infectious period

(time during which an infected person can infect others)

Norovirus can be found in the faeces and vomit of infected people from the day they start to feel ill and up to 2 weeks after they recover.

 

Treatment for norovirus infection

No specific therapy exists for norovirus infection and there is no vaccine available.

The following are general recommendations for the treatment of gastroenteritis:

• Give plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solution is highly recommended for children with mild to moderate dehydration. It is available at pharmacies and should be administered following the instructions on the packaging.
• Mildly unwell children should be given their usual fluids more often Carbonated (fizzy) drinks or undiluted juice should be avoided.
• Medicines to prevent vomiting or diarrhoea should not be given (especially in children), except where specifically advised by a doctor.
• Breastfed babies should continue to be breastfed throughout their illness.
• Children on formula or solid diets should restart their normal diet (including full strength lactose containing milk) following rehydration with oral rehydration solution.
• Children who are hungry or ask for food should be given small portions of their usual foods, but avoid foods high in sugar or fat.

When to seek medical attention

Seek medical advice if there are any of the following symptoms:

Adults

• Signs of dehydration, such as thirst and decreased urination, lethargy, dry mouth, feeling faint on standing
• fever
• severe abdominal pain
• bloody diarrhoea.

Children

• Signs of dehydration, such as thirst and decreased urination, lethargy, dry mouth, sunken eyes, feeling faint on standing
• fever
• abdominal pain
• bloody diarrhoea
• any symptoms in a child less than 12 months of age.

 

 

Reference 

https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/infectious+diseases/norovirus+infection/norovirus+infection+-+including+symptoms+treatment+and+prevention 

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/norovirus/noro.html#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20symptoms%3F,as%2012%20hours%20after%20exposure.

Norovirus Fact Sheet - Minnesota Dept. of Health