According to an article published in April 2003 in Nature Medicine, Norovirus causes approximately 90% of epidemic gastrointestinal outbreaks around the entire world. In the US it is thought that as much as 50% of food borne outbreaks originate from Norovirus.

Norovirus can be transmitted by air¹, food, water, person to person, or surfaces contaminated by fecal matter from an infected person or settling from the airborne route. Possible contaminated water sources can include wells, lakes, pools, municipal water supplies, and even ice machines. Foods most often associated with Norovirus are shellfish and salads.

One infected person that prepares food for the public or vacationers aboard a cruise ship can infect an innumerable amount of people. Norovirus is highly contagious. If a person is in close proximity to a vomiting infected individual mere inhalation can result in another contaminated victim.  Toilet flushing when vomit or diarrhea is present will in fact spew infectious droplets into the air. Proper air purification/filtration in restrooms can significantly reduce the spread of airborne pathogens. 

While Norovirus symptoms may abate after 24 to 48 hours the infected individual can still be contagious for many weeks, according to the CDC.²

Norovirus is not a bacterium and therefore cannot be treated with antibiotics. After a gastroenteritis infection ones immunity to this virus is short lived. The Norovirus is not age specific it can infect children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. Common places known to have rapid outbreaks are long term nursing facilities, cruise ships, hospitals, prisons, and any other places of assembly or grouped living quarters, such as college dorms.

Symptoms of Norovirus may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Additional symptoms may also include headache, weakness, muscle aches, and even a low grade fever.

Death can result from ignoring and not treating dehydration. Those most vulnerable are children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

In 1968 in Norwalk, Ohio a large group of elementary school children contracted a serious case of gastroenteritis and it was so named Norwalk agent and has since been shortened to Norovirus.   

Oftentimes the illness is called “food poisoning” or the “stomach flu”. These terms can actually be aligned with multiple forms of illness caused by many types of bacteria or viruses.

To reduce chances of infection, hand washing with soap and water and cleaning surfaces with chlorine based disinfectants are effective. Alcohol and detergent based disinfectants are nominal in reducing the Norovirus particles. Bathroom air filtration/purification with photocatalytic oxidation can significantly reduce the aerolization of the Norovirus pathogens.

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1. New Scientist article “I’ve lost my appetite…” Sept 2000

2. http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/14/10/1553.htm