08/07/26 Public Health Education Topic: Norovirus

Health Department
9 hours ago
2 min read

Per CDC

Key points

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States.
People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus.
Proper handwashing and other simple steps can help prevent getting and spreading norovirus.

Types

You can get norovirus illness many times in your life because there are many different types of noroviruses. Infection with one type of norovirus may not protect you against other types.

It is possible to develop protection against specific types. But it is not known exactly how long protection lasts. This may explain why so many people of all ages get infected during norovirus outbreaks.

Signs and symptoms

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus.

Most common symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain
Other symptoms: Fever, headache, and body aches

Dehydration

If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids), especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include:

Decreased urination
Dry mouth and throat
Feeling dizzy when standing up
Crying with few or no tears
Unusual sleepiness or fussiness

How it spreads

Norovirus spreads very easily and quickly in different ways. You can get norovirus by:

Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, like caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.

You can still spread norovirus for 2 weeks or more after you feel better.

Prevention

Norovirus is very contagious, but you can take steps to protect yourself and others, including:

Wash your hands well and often.
Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.
Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
Wash laundry in hot water.
Stay home when sick for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop.

For more information, please visit: About Norovirus | Norovirus | CDC