Norovirus

WHAT IS IT?

Noroviruses is a highly contagious virus that affects the stomach and intestinal tract. These viruses are not related to the influenza virus (Flu). Norovirus is estimated to causes 19 to 21 million illnesses in the United States, 56,000 to 71,000 hospitalizations and 570 to 800 deaths each year. You can have norovirus illness many times in your life. You can get a norovirus illness at any time during the year, but it is most common in the winter.

People become infected through contact with another infected person:

• You can get sick by directly touching vomit or feces of a sick person then touching your mouth, eyes, or nasal passage.
• You can get sick if you do not properly wash your hands after using the toilet; you can get norovirus from touching contaminated surfaces.
• You can get sick if you eat fecal contaminated food or water.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

It generally begins 12 hours to 2 days after infection Norovirus infection usually lasts two to three days. The virus can stay in your stool two or more weeks after you feel better. New norovirus strains emerge every 2 to 4 years causing worldwide outbreaks.