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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffNorovirus infection can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. Noroviruses are a major cause of gastrointestinal illness in closed and crowded environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes and cruise ships.
Typically, people with norovirus infection develop diarrhea and abdominal pain and begin to vomit within 24 to 48 hours of exposure. Norovirus symptoms last one or two days, and most people recover completely without treatment. However, in some people — especially infants, older adults and people with underlying disease — vomiting and diarrhea can be severely dehydrating and require medical attention.
Norovirus infection is highly contagious. Noroviruses commonly spread through food or water contaminated by fecal matter during preparation. You can also catch norovirus infection through close contact with an infected person.
Symptoms- Norovirus: Technical fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/Ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/downloads/noro-factsheet.pdf. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
- Kapikian AZ. Rotaviruses, noroviruses and other gastrointestinal viruses. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/117938057-3/796394142/1492/1345.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50408-0--cesec17_16866. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
- Treanor JJ. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of noroviruses, astroviruses and sapoviruses. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
- Managing acute gastroenteritis among children: Oral rehydration, maintenance and nutritional therapy. Atlanta, Ga. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=4362&nbr=003287&string=dehydration. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
- Norovirus: Q&A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/Ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/downloads/norovirus-faqs.pdf. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
