Noroviruses Symptoms

Noroviruses are a group of viruses (previously known as Norwalk-like viruses) that can affect the stomach and intestines. These viruses can cause people to have gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and the large intestines. Gastroenteritis is sometimes called a calicivirus infection or food poisoning, even though it may not always be related to food.

Norovirus is sometimes called the “stomach flu,” although it is not related to the flu (a common respiratory illness cause by the influenza virus).

Symptoms caused by noroviruses

Common symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping

Less common symptoms: low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and tiredness

This illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. Normally the illness lasts about 1 to 2 days. Children often vomit more than adults.

Where noroviruses are found

Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people and on infected surfaces that have been touched by ill people. Outbreaks occur more often where there are more people in a small area, such as nursing homes, schools, restaurants, catered events, and cruise ships.

How noroviruses are spread

People can become infected with the virus by:

Eating food or drinking liquids infected with noroviruses

Touching surfaces or objects infected with noroviruses and then touching own mouth, nose, or eyes

Having person-to-person contact (with a norovirus-infected person) by

being present while someone is vomiting

sharing food or eating from the same utensils

caring for a sick person

shaking hands

Not washing hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.

Wash hands often. Wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before eating or preparing food. Wash hands more often when someone in your home is sick.

Avoid shaking hands during outbreaks.