Norovirus

Category: Science & Technology / Health / Communicable Diseases

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that commonly causes acute gastroenteritis.

Transmission

• Contaminated food

• Contaminated water

• Person-to-person contact

• Contaminated surfaces

• Aerosols generated during vomiting.

Symptoms

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Fever may occur.

Important Features

• Highly contagious.

• Outbreaks commonly occur in:

  • Schools

  • Hospitals

  • Cruise ships

  • Hostels

  • Closed communities.

Prevention

• Handwashing

• Safe food handling

• Surface disinfection

• Isolation of symptomatic persons.

Prelims Pointer

Norovirus → viral gastroenteritis.