Norovirus Arrives in Virginia

Noroviruses cause acute gastroenteritis (“stomach flu” or “winter vomiting disease”) - symptoms include nausea, vomiting, watery non-bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, and low-grade fever. Although the illness is generally short-lived and self-limiting, deaths from dehydration have occurred, especially among the elderly and the very young.

Outbreaks of norovirus illness can be from contaminated food, but most often the virus is transmitted person-to-person by the fecal-oral OR vomit-oral routes. There is no vaccine for norovirus. These viruses are highly contagious, and can survive in the environment for a long time. However, guidelines have been developed to help stop outbreaks.

Some of the ways to reduce your risk of becoming ill with noroviruses include:

• Washing our hands frequently with warm water and soap
• Disinfecting contaminated surfaces with household chlorine bleach-based cleaners
  
• Washing soiled clothing and linens
  
• Avoiding food or water from sources that may be contaminated

For More Information on Norovirus, please see:

The Virginia Department of Health Norovirus Fact Sheet

The Virginia Department of Health Norovirus Prevention Guidance for Institutions/Facilities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Norovirus Infection

Morbidity and Mortality Report (MMWR): Norwalk-Like Virus: Public Health Consequences and Outbreak Management

For specific questions regarding norovirus infections, or to report a possible outbreak, please contact your local health department.