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Norwalk Virus Complications

Norwalk-like viruses (or noroviruses, as they are now known) are the cause of viral gastroenteritis, which causes a number of digestive troubles that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), generally clear up within a matter of days. Norovirus does not generally have long-lasting complications, but the Mayo Clinic reports that infection can sometimes lead to complications, including death, in some populations.

  1. Effects

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, infection with norovirus can lead to symptoms such as nausea, pain and cramping in the abdomen, loose diarrhea and low fever. These symptoms generally clear up on their own within one to three days; however, the Mayo Clinic reports that a person's feces may continue to be infectious for up to three days after their own symptoms have cleared up.

    Treatment

    • As is the case with many other viral conditions, there is no specific treatment for norovirus. Although there is no specific treatment, it is important to replace the fluids the body is losing to avoid dehydration.

    Risk

    • Norovirus is spread most easily in places like day cares and nursing homes. In these environments, sanitary measures such as hand-washing should be followed to prevent the spread of norovirus and other diseases. This is especially important because, according to the Mayo Clinic, the very young and the elderly are at highest risk for developing complications of viral gastroenteritis.

    Complications

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, viral gastroenteritis can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss and possibly death. This is especially likely among the young and elderly, who may lose fluids at a quicker rate than they can be replaced.

    Prevention

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, the best way to manage complications from severe dehydration is to replace fluids, although hospitalization may be necessary for the very young or aging sufferers. The Mayo Clinic cautions against the use of sugary drinks to replace fluids, as these may cause diarrhea to worsen.

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