Norovirus infections are common and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps in infected individuals. Sometimes symptoms include low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness.
The illness is usually brief and lasts for only one or two days. The virus can be transmitted through hand-to-mouth transfer after touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus, by having direct contact with another person who is infected with the virus, and by eating contaminated food. Generally, there are no long-term health effects related to this illness, although some people may get dehydrated and need medical attention. The problem with dehydration is usually only seen among the very young, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of norovirus illness usually begin about 24 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus, but they can appear as early as 12 hours. People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill until at least three days after recovery. Consequently, it is particularly important for people to use good handwashing and other hygienic practices after they have recently recovered from norovirus. Currently, there is no antiviral medication that works against norovirus, and antibiotics do not affect viruses. Norovirus illness is usually brief in healthy individuals. When people are ill with vomiting and diarrhea, they should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
An individual’s chances of coming in contact with a norovirus can be reduced by:
Persons with symptoms of gastroenteritis (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for three days after they recover from their illness.
For more information visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Service Web site at www.hhs.state.ne.us.