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Norovirus Infection

(Acute Nonbacterial Gastroenteritis; Caliciviruses; Food Infection; Norwalk Virus; Norwalk-like Virus; Small Round Structure Viruses [SMRVs]; Stomach Flu; Viral Gastroenteritis)

Definition

Norovirus infection occurs in the stomach and intestines. It is most often call the stomach flu. Outbreaks often occur in areas with close contact such as:
  • Cruise ships
  • Restaurants
  • Nursing homes
  • Hospitals
The Digestive Tract
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Causes

These infections are caused by a specific group of viruses. The viruses can spread through:
  • Contaminated water supplies such as recreational lakes, swimming pools, wells, and water stored on cruise ships
  • Raw or improperly steamed shellfish, especially clams and oysters
  • Food and drinks prepared by infected food handlers who either do not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom
  • Surfaces, such as a door knob
The viruses can also spread by direct contact with an ill person. This is common in a daycare center or nursing home.

Risk Factors

Any person who ingests the virus is at risk of getting this infection. Older children and adults commonly get this infection.
Even if you have been infected with norovirus in the past, you can become ill again if:
  • You are exposed to a different type of norovirus
  • Your last illness was more than 24 months ago

Symptoms

If you have any of these do not assume it is due to norovirus. These may be caused by other health conditions. Symptoms may include:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Low-grade fever
  • Chills
  • Muscle aches
  • Tiredness
Symptoms often appear within 24-48 hours of exposure to the virus. Symptoms often last about 24-60 hours.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Your doctor may determine you have a stomach flu from your symptoms. It is rarely necessary to determine the exact virus causing the infection. Stool and blood samples may be taken if your doctor wants to know the exact type of virus causing the problem.

Treatment

A norovirus infection will go away on its own. Medical treatment is often not needed since the illness is often brief and mild.
Most people will recover by resting and drinking plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solutions are the best option to help replace fluids and electrolytes. These can be found in most drugstores. Severe dehydration may require IV fluids in a hospital but this is a rare complication.
Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. There are no antiviral medicines or vaccines used to fight or prevent this infection.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of getting or passing noroviruses take the following steps:
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water:
    • After using the bathroom
    • After changing diapers
    • Before preparing or eating food.
  • If you are caring for someone who is infected, make sure the person thoroughly washes his or her hands.
  • If you are ill or caring for someone who is ill, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces using bleach cleaner. Remove and wash soiled linens. Use hot water and soap.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables.
  • Cook oysters and clams before eating them.
  • Do not prepare food if you have symptoms. Wait three days after you have recovered before handling food again.
  • Throw away contaminated food.
  • If you are sick, do not attend work until symptoms have passed.

RESOURCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov

National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases http://www3.niaid.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Communicable Disease Control Unit http://www.gov.mb.ca

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

References

Norovirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/overview.html. Updated April 12, 2012. Accessed February 20, 2013.

Norovirus infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated January 25, 2013. Accessed February 20, 2013.

Norovirus illness: Key facts: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/downloads/keyfacts.pdf. Accessed February 20, 2013.

Phillips G, Tam CC, Rodrigues LC, Lopman B. Risk factors for symptomatic and asymptomatic norovirus infection in the community. Epidemiol Infect . 2010 Dec 17:1-11.

Scallan E, Hoekstra RM, Angulo FJ, Tauxe RV, Widdowson MA, Roy SL, Jones JL, Griffin PM. Foodborne illness acquired in the United States-major pathogens. Emerg Infect Dis . 2011 Jan;17(1):7-15.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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