Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis, also known as stomach
flu or winter vomiting disease. This is not influenza or the flu, which is a respiratory infection
caused by the influenza virus.
Stomach flu outbreaks occur in B.C. communities every year. Outbreaks of illness are common in
nursing homes, daycare centres, schools, and childrens camps and on cruise ships.
What are the symptoms?
Within a day or two of being exposed to a Norovirus, you may have an upset stomach and start
vomiting, often followed by cramping, chills, fever and diarrhea. The illness usually begins
suddenly and lasts only for one to three days. Sometimes complications occur if people lose too
much fluid from vomiting and diarrhea and do not drink enough fluids. This is more likely to occur
with babies, the elderly and persons with weakened immune systems. Severe illness is very rare, and
hospital care is usually not required.
How does the virus spread?
Norovirus can be found in the vomit and diarrhea of people who are sick. When someone vomits,
people nearby may be exposed to tiny droplets in the air.
The virus can be spread to the environment, including surfaces like countertops. The virus can
survive for a long time on surfaces such as countertops or sink taps if not properly cleaned.
People can become ill when they touch these surfaces and then place their hands in their mouth.
The virus can be spread among people if they do not wash their hands or if someone with this illness
handles food, water or ice.
Is there a treatment?
Currently, medications are not usually used to treat Noroviruses. Persons infected with a Norovirus
usually get better on their own within a few days.
Antibiotics should not be taken for Norovirus. Antibiotics only work to fight bacteria and not viruses.
It is important that you drink enough clear fluids, such as water, so you do not get dehydrated. You
should also drink other fluids such as juices, clear soups, or oral rehydration fluids for vomiting or
diarrhea.
See a doctor if diarrhea or vomiting lasts more than two or three days, or if dehydration is a
concern. If three or more persons are ill at the same time, report this to your local public health
unit.
How can the virus be prevented?
There is no vaccine or medication that can prevent Noroviruses.
The key to preventing the virus or reducing it from spreading is hand washing,
especially after using the toilet, changing diapers or before eating or preparing
food. Proper hand washing requires warm running water, soap and cleansing
of the hands for about 30 seconds. For more information see BC HealthFile
#85 Hand Washing for Parents and Kids.
Bathrooms need special attention and should be disinfected with a bleach solution.
Any food that has been handled by a person with the virus, or exposed while a person vomited,
should be thrown-out.
Dishes and utensils should be washed with hot water and detergent or in a dishwasher.
Laundry should also be washed with hot water and detergent.
People who are ill and handle food or those who provide care for others should
stay away from work while they are sick and for two days after they are
better. Even when diarrhea and vomiting have stopped, the virus can still
be in the stool (bowel movement) for as long as two weeks. Be sure to wash
hands carefully and often.
If someone is ill with a Norovirus, discourage visitors at home. It is best to wait for a couple
days after everyone is better and the house is cleaned and disinfected.
When a family member is sick with vomiting or diarrhea, it is a good idea for that person to
try to stay in a separate room and not be around others. Everyone in the family should wash their
hands often with soap and water. Use different towels or paper towels for drying hands to help prevent
people from getting sick.
If you are cleaning up vomit or diarrhea, you can reduce the risk of getting infected by
doing the following:
Wear disposable gloves. Reusable rubber gloves may be used, but they should be washed after use.
Use paper towels to soak up excess liquid, and put the paper towels and any solid matter directly
into a plastic garbage bag.
Clean the soiled area with soap and hot water. The same cleaning cloth or sponge should not be
used to clean other areas of the house as this may spread the virus.
Disinfect the area that has been washed with a freshly made bleach solution. Make a solution of
bleach with 1/3 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water, or 80 mL of bleach to 4 litres of water.
Household cleaners other than bleach do not work for most of the viruses that cause vomiting and
diarrhea.
Put all cleaning cloths and disposable gloves into a plastic garbage bag.
Wash your hands well using soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds.
For more information see BC HealthFile #85 Hand Washing for Parents
and Kids.
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