Norovirus Infection - The Stomach Flu Bug
Symptoms and Transmission Infectious Viral Gastroenteritis
Nov 10, 2008
Cases in New York City are up nearly 20% over the past two weeks. Michigan's Hope College has temporarily closed its doors to try to curb the spread of the virus estimated to have infected at least 400 students and staff. Approximately 12% of passengers on a 17-day Holland America cruise also fell victim to this GI bug. What can you do to protect yourself from this rampant infection?
What Is Norovirus?
Noroviruses, also known as Norwalk-like viruses (NLV), are a group of nonenveloped RNA viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis or stomach flu. Considered highly contagious, as few as 10 viral particles are sufficient to infect an individual. Although cases can be seen throughout the year, outbreaks are more common in winter months when people spend more time indoors, in close proximity.
Symptoms of Norovirus
Symptoms usually appear within 12 - 48 hours of infection, typically last one to three days and may include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- fever
- diarrhea
- headache
- abdominal cramping
- fatigue
Is Norovirus Dangerous?
Although norovirus can make a person feel awful, the infection is self-limiting and typically not life threatening. Since the infectious agent is viral, there is no medication used specifically to treat the infections, on to reduce symptoms. Antibiotics, which are used to fight bacterial infection, do not help in the treatment of strictly viral infections.
Those who are sick may vomit and have bouts of diarrhea several times throughout the day. The main danger is dehydration that can occur if an individual is not able to drink enough liquids to replace the fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea.
How Is Norovirus Transmitted
Norovirus can be found in the stool and vomitus of an infected person, and may be shed for up to three weeks after symptoms are gone. A person can become infected when the virus enters the mouth of a person who has:
- touched surfaces or objects contaminated with virus and then brought hand to mouth
- consumed foods or drinks contaminated with virus
- had direct contact with vomit or stool of ill person when caring for them
- drunk from same cup or used the same utensils as an ill person
- had immediate contact with aerosol of a vomiting person
How to Prevent Infection
The following measures can reduce your chances of becoming infected with norovirus:
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers and before handling food.
- Carry hand sanitizer with your for use after you’ve touch surfaces in public places (i.e. shopping cart handles, bathroom door handles, etc.
- Wash fruits and vegetables, as any uncooked food could contain viral particles.
- If someone has been sick in your home, clean and disinfect all surfaces, toys, doorknobs, handles, etc. by using a bleach-based cleaner.
- Wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated using hot water and soap.
- If you believe that you are infected with norovirus, do not prepare food while you have symptoms and for at least 3 days after your symptoms resolve.
More Information on Infectious Disease
To learn more about how to protect yourself from infectious disease, see the articles Immune System and Cold & Flu Prevention, How to Kill Bacteria and Other Microbes, the Virtual Microbiology Classroom or the CDC Norovirus Page.
Sources
Bauman, R. (2004) Microbiology. Pearson Benjamin Cummings.
Talero, K. P (2008) Foundations in Microbiology Basic Principles. McGraw Hill Companies.
Note: This article is not meant to be used in the treatment of illness or disease. If you are sick, please see a physician, not a computer.
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