Causes Of Norovirus

Norovirus is a gastrointestinal infection that causes individuals to experience symptoms of severe vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms typically present suddenly, usually within twelve to eighteen hours of being exposed to contamination. Although the symptoms are severe and quite uncomfortable, most patients recover within a few days without the need for medical intervention. However, babies and seniors are more at risk for dehydration association with vomiting and diarrhea, and as such, they may need to seek medical care to avoid additional complications. Unfortunately, there is no specific medical treatment for norovirus. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the causes and engage in preventative measures to decrease the risk of contracting the virus in the first place.

Contaminated Food

One of the most common ways to contract norovirus is through contaminated food. This can happen if an infected individual has feces or vomit on their hands and touches food, if food is placed on a contaminated counter, or if food is grown or harvested with contaminated water. It is important to practice good hygiene to prevent food contamination, which means always washing hands before and after food preparation. Counters and surfaces where food will be prepared should be properly sanitized before and after cooking. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly before cooking and eating as well.

Contaminated Water

Another way to contact norovirus is through contaminated water. This contamination can happen if there is a sewage overflow or a malfunction with a sewage system, resulting in the feces of infected individuals coming into contact with a water source, such as a private well. Obtaining water from shallow, private wells carries a higher risk for contamination, especially after flooding. Individuals who are concerned their drinking water may be contaminated can contact their state water officials, who will direct them to the nearest laboratory for testing.

Water should be sustained at a rolling boil for at least one minute for elevations under 6500 feet to prevent norovirus transmission from contaminated water. For elevations at about 6500 feet, water should be sustained at a rolling boil for at least three minutes. Allow water to cool and then stored with a tight lid, in a thoroughly sanitized container. Filtration systems do not filter out norovirus due to its tiny size.

Person To Person

Although it has long been thought norovirus could only spread through contaminated surfaces and water, new research indicates it can travel from person to person. Norovirus is so small that it can be carried in the air for several meters. Contracting the virus in this manner is most common in shared spaces where there are many individuals, including hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. The revelation that norovirus can be transmitted is relatively new and preventative measures to contain the spread have not yet been discovered. Researchers are currently looking into the use of filtration devices and face masks designed specifically to capture bacteria as small as norovirus.

Hands Touching The Mouth

Norovirus can also be spread by touching a contaminated surface, such as a table, countertop, or eating utensils, and then putting one's fingers in their mouth. Because norovirus is so small and can contaminate pretty much any surface, it is imperative to practice good hygiene, such as being sure to wash hands frequently with warm water and soap. Infected individuals should make sure they wash their hands every time they use the restroom and avoid using bar soap if possible. Pumped or touchless soaps are better options. Individuals should also be cautious of their hands touching their mouth. It is also best to avoid sharing eating utensils. Countertops and tables should be kept sanitized, and all other surfaces wiped down frequently, especially if a known or suspected person with norovirus has visited the area.

Living In Close Quarters

Living in close quarters increases the risk for norovirus infection. Confined spaces like cruise ships, hospitals, schools, daycare centers, and nursing homes are the most common places norovirus outbreaks occur. Because it can live on hard surfaces for an extended amount of time, norovirus can be very difficult to rid the environment of. In environments where individuals are living in close proximity to one another, preventative measures are a must, which means sanitizing common areas frequently. Everyone residing in the quarters should engage in good hygiene by making sure to wash their hands frequently. And if an individual or individual does become infected with the virus, they should be quarantined until they are deemed no longer contagious.