About Norovirus
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus. You can get norovirus from:
- Having direct contact with an infected person
- Consuming contaminated food or water
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth
The most common symptoms of norovirus are:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- nausea
- stomach pain
How Norovirus Spreads:
- Norovirus spreads very easily and quickly in different ways.
- Touch surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then put your fingersin your mouth, or
have direct contact with someone who is infected with norovirus, such as by caring for them or sharing food or eating utensils with them.
If you get norovirus illness, you can shed billions of norovirus particles that you can’t see without a microscope. Only a few norovirus particles can make other people sick. You are most contagious when you have symptoms of norovirus illness, especially vomiting, and during the first few days after you recover from norovirus illness.
However, studies have shown that you can still spread norovirus for two weeks or more after you feel better.
Preventing Norovirus:
- Practice proper hand hygiene
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water