What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis). It is an illness that usually includes diarrhea and vomiting.
You may become sick from the virus many times in your life because there are different types of noroviruses. Norovirus can spread quickly in facilities such as long-term care homes, retirement homes, daycares and schools.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of the Norovirus are often seen 1 to 2 days after being exposed to someone with the virus and include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain and cramps
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
How is it spread?
Norovirus can be spread from an infected person through:
- Person-to-person by a fecal-oral route (e.g., unwashed hands).
- Swallowing contaminated food or water.
- By touching contaminated hands or objects (e.g., door handles or toys).
How is it prevented?
- Practice proper hand hygiene. Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus. You can use hand sanitizers in addition to hand washing, but hand sanitizer is not a substitute for handwashing, which is best.
- Handle foods safely. It’s important to wash fruits and vegetables and cook seafood thoroughly.
- When you are sick, do not prepare food for others, especially if you work with food or water (e.g., cook, server, dietary aid, etc).
- When you are sick, do not care for others, especially if you work in a healthcare or child care setting.
- Increase cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Surfaces or high-touch areas may be sanitized using a simple bleach solution you can make at home. The solution is made with 1000 ml (4 cups) of water to 20 ml (4 tsp) of unscented bleach.
- Wash laundry that may be contaminated with vomit or stool (poop). Be careful when handling soiled laundry and wash your hands immediately afterward.
- Stay home when you are feeling sick with Norovirus-like symptoms to minimize the spread of illness.
How long is it contagious?
Norovirus is contagious for as long as a person has symptoms and for a least 3 days after they have recovered. Some people may continue to be contagious for up to 3 weeks after symptoms have resolved.
Should I see a healthcare provider?
We recommend you see a healthcare provider if your symptoms persist or get worse. Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated is an important step to feeling better.
Healthcare Providers
Norovirus is not reportable to Public Health unless it is part of a gastroenteritis outbreak, within a facility (e.g., long term care home).).
For questions or concerns, please contact us at 519-258-2146 ext. 1420.
References:
Government of Canada (2022). Norovirus: Symptoms and Treatment.