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.