Norovirus is very contagious and typically causes vomiting and diarrhea simultaneously for infected people. Anyone can become sick with norovirus if exposed to an infected person.
Common exposures:
- Having direct contact with an infected person (i.e. shaking hands).
- Sharing food or utensils with an infected person.
- Consuming contaminated food or water.
- Touching contaminated surfaces then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth.
Norovirus Facts:
- Norovirus is the leading cause of disease outbreaks from contaminated food in the U.S.
- About 20 million people get sick from norovirus each year, most from close contact with infected people or by eating contaminated food.
- Infected food workers cause about 70% of reported norovirus outbreaks from contaminated food.
Read more about the Norovirus on the CDC’s website.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach Pain
- Other symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
Symptoms usually develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure to norovirus. Illness usually lasts 24 to 72 hours.
Norovirus commonly leads to dehydration!
Watch for the symptoms of dehydration:
- Decrease in urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
- Unusually sleepy
Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of liquids to replace lost fluids.
- After someone vomits or has diarrhea clean and disinfect the entire area immediately and thoroughly using a chlorine/water disinfectant solution.
- Practice proper hand washing often throughout the day and always before eating.
- Keep infected people isolated from others.
- Infected people should stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.
- Infected people should avoid preparing food for others for at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.