Norovirus

What is norovirus?

Also called small round structured virus (SRSV) or Norwalk virus (NLV), norovirus is a common source of gastro-enteritis. The illness caused is often known as ‘winter vomiting disease’. Although it is true that there is an increase in winter months, cases do occur in all seasons.

 

In most cases no specific treatment is required, but it is sensible to drink plenty of clear fluids (i.e. water) as soon as the vomiting starts in order to avoid dehydration.

 

What are the symptoms?

The illness characteristically starts with the sudden onset of severe and dramatic vomiting. This can occur with such force that it is termed ‘projectile’. Some people also develop diarrhoea.

 

 

How does norovirus spread?

Norovirus is highly infectious. Spread can occur through lapses in basic hygiene, for example: Not washing hands after using the toilet, Being exposed to the virus or the vomit of someone who has the virus, Contact with surfaces, e.g. furniture or other people’s hands that have the virus on them. Contaminated food Infection can spread very easily in areas where there are large numbers of people, for example in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, hotels and cruise ships. People remain infectious for up to forty eight hours after symptoms have ceased.

 

 

What can we do to prevent or restrict the spread of norovirus?

Good hand washing with liquid soap and water is the key to the prevention of norovirus infection. Everyone should regularly wash and dry their hands, especially before:

• preparing or serving food
• eating meals

and after:

• contact with a sick person and their surroundings, ie. room, bedding, clothing and equipment
• going to the toilet and/or assisting a sick person going to the toilet
• leaving the area where a person has vomited or had diarrhoea.