What is norovirus and what are its symptoms? How to avoid spreading the stomach bug

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting bug,” is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is responsible for a huge number of cases of foodborne illnesses and outbreaks throughout the world, more so in closed or crowded places such as schools, nursing homes, and cruise ships. Norovirus, unlike influenza, doesn’t affect the respiratory tract at all; its most common symptoms are related to the gastrointestinal tract.

Norovirus can be spread via several routes, such as contaminated food and water, surfaces, and close contact with an infected person. This virus is quite notorious for its being a hardy virus; it can remain on surfaces for a considerable period and can also resist a wide range of environmental extremes.

Symptoms of Norovirus

The symptoms of norovirus infection often begin suddenly, typically within 12 to 48 hours after the exposure. The most common symptoms include:

Nausea: A feeling of sickness that may lead to vomiting.

Vomiting: Tend to be violent and may be projectile.

Diarrhea: Is usually watery and may occur multiple times throughout the day.

Abdominal pain or cramping: Pain in the stomach.

Low-grade fever: Some people experience a low-grade fever.

Muscle ache: There is generally aching and pain throughout the body.

Symptoms usually last 1 to 3 days, but in some individuals, they may result in severe cases of dehydration especially in at-risk populations like young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, dizziness, less urination, and tiredness.

How Norovirus spreads

Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads quickly through;

• Direct contact: Having close contact with an infected person or caring for someone who has the illness.
• Contaminated surfaces: Touching a surface or object that has come in contact with the virus.
• Food and water : Food and water that is either handled by an infected individual or has come into contact with sewage.

It may remain in feces several weeks after symptoms are alleviated, enabling individuals to contaminate others with Norovirus even when the person is feeling better.

Prevention from passing Norovirus

Because norovirus is highly contagious, prevention of transmission is very important. Here are effective means:

• Practice good hand hygiene: Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water, particularly after going to the restroom or handling food. The alcohol in hand sanitizers does not kill norovirus.
• Exclusion from food preparation: Avoid preparing food for others if you have symptoms or if you have just recovered (in the past 48 hours).
• Disinfect contaminated surfaces: A bleach-based cleaning product should be used for the disinfection of potentially contaminated surfaces with vomit or feces. 
• Wash contaminated laundry properly: Launder anything that has been contaminated by vomit or diarrhea at high heat (at least 60°C) and wear gloves while handling these articles, if possible.
• Stay home when sick: If you have symptoms of norovirus, stay home until at least 48 hours after your last episode of vomiting or diarrhea to avoid spreading the virus to other people.

These measures ensure prevention of this winter vomiting bug, Norovirus and help keep you and your family safe.

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