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Symptoms of the Noro Virus

Noro viruses are gastrointestinal viruses that infect the stomach and intestines. These viruses are transmitted by consuming contaminated food or water or by consuming those items with contaminated hands. People with noro virus infection may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. A few exhibit symptoms of dehydration. Hand washing and proper cooking is essential in preventing noro virus infections.

  1. Gastrointestinal Viruses

    • Gastrointestinal viruses are viruses that infect the stomach and intestines. The usual mode of transmission for gastrointestinal viruses is consuming contaminated food or water. Some people are infected when their hands touch contaminated surfaces and then they eat food without first washing their hands. These viruses include a class of virus known as Norwalk-type or Noro viruses.

    Noro Viruses

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are five genetic groups and over 30 sub-clusters of noro viruses. The first symptoms of noro virus appear 24 to 36 hours after being infected, and they resolve after 24 to 60 hours. Noro viruses are very contagious. It takes only 10 virus particles to cause infection. This makes the virus very infections and a common cause of food borne outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease.

    Symptoms of Noro Virus Infection

    • The most common symptoms of noro virus infection are diarrhea and vomiting. However, certain people also experience abdominal discomfort or pain and even a low-grade fever. Fewer people experience weight loss associated with a loss of appetite. Even without specific treatment, the symptoms go away on their own in otherwise healthy individuals. Those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or the very young, must be carefully observed to make sure that dehydration does not set in due to excessive vomiting and diarrhea.

    Treatment

    • There is no known cure for noro virus infection. Only supportive treatment in the form of anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medication is available. People who develop dehydration may be placed on intravenous (IV) rehydration. Pain medication may also be offered to relieve abdominal pain.

    Prevention

    • Hand washing is essential in the prevention of noro virus infection. This is because the low number of virus particles required for infection makes it easy to come into contact with a contaminated source and then get infected. People who are infected must refrain from preparing food for others for two or three days after their symptoms resolve. If a surface is contaminated with an ill person's gastrointestinal secretions, like vomit, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned with a solution containing at least 10 percent bleach. As always, all food should be properly cooked or prepared.

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