Handwashing is the key to preventing the
spread of Norovirus
Noroviruses are a group of viruses
that cause gastroenteritis. Norovirus, previously known as Norwalk
virus, is very contagious and can be transmitted person to person, as
well as through contaminated water or food. Often referred to as the
“stomach flu”, only the common cold is reported more frequently than
gastroenteritis as a cause of illness in the U.S. The majority of cases
of food borne gastroenteritis, sometimes referred to as “food
poisoning”, are caused by norovirus. Most cruise ship cases of
gastroenteritis are also caused by norovirus.
Symptoms appear usually about 24 - 48 hours after exposure to the virus
and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Sometimes
people
 additionally have headache, low-grade fever, chills as well as
muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness. The illness is usually
brief, with symptoms lasting only about 1 or 2 days. Elderly and very
young individuals can become dehydrated and may need medical care. Like
all viral infections, Noroviruses are not affected by treatment with
antibiotics. There is no specific treatment for norovirus, but it is
helpful to rehydrate by drinking fluids.
People can become infected with norovirus in several ways, including:
- eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with
norovirus
- touching surfaces or objects contaminated with
norovirus and then placing their fingers in their mouth
- having direct contact with another person who is
infected and showing symptoms (for example, when caring for someone
with illness or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is
ill).
People infected with norovirus are contagious from the
moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days after recovery. Some
people may be contagious for as long as 2 weeks after recovery.
Therefore, it is particularly important for people to use good handwashing
practices after they have recently recovered from norovirus illness.
- Good Handwashing practice is the key to preventing
the spread of norovirus.
- You can decrease your chance of coming in contact
with norovirus by frequently washing your hands especially after using
the toilet, changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.
- You can decrease your chance of coming in contact
with norovirus on a cruise ship by frequently washing your hands
especially after using the toilet, before eating and after using hand
rails.
From the Palm Beach County
Epidemiology and Disease Control.
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