Noroviruses are a group of viruses which can cause illness often referred to as:

• Stomach flu (NOT the same as influenza).
• Acute, viral, or non-bacterial gastroenteritis (which means inflamed stomach or intestines).
• Food poisoning (although there are many other causes of food poisoning as well).
• Winter Vomiting Disease or Norwalk Virus.

What are the symptoms this infection can cause?

• Nausea
• Vomiting (may be more common in children)
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramping
• Low-grade fever
• Chills
• Aches
• Tiredness

Norovirus infections are most communicable during the acute stage of the disease, but people can continue to shed the virus for 2 to 3 weeks after symptom resolution.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have the above symptoms, you should stay home, especially if you work in food service, or personal care. If you are not better after three days, or if severe dehydration is suspected, you should see a medical professional. Young children and the elderly tend to get dehydrated more often, and may need medical attention sooner. If you think food may have made you ill, call your local GSC office, and tell your physician.

How does it spread?

Norovirus spreads easily from person to person. Special care must be taken by those who work in child care settings, nursing homes, personal care homes, and hospitals to prevent transmission.

Norovirus can be found in the stool or vomit of infected people. People can become infected by:

• Eating food or drinking water that has come into contact with the virus.
• Touching surfaces or objects that have come into contact with the virus, and then touching your mouth.
• Close contact (such as sharing food/drink/eating utensils) with an infected person.

How is it treated?

Most people who become sick with norovirus will get better on their own. People with diarrhea and vomiting must drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics are not used to treat a viral illness.

How can I keep from getting this illness?

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water before handling foods and eating. (If possible, avoid preparing food for others when you are sick.)
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water after:
  • Cleaning up vomit or stool.
  • Changing diapers.
  • Using the toilet.
• Wash fruits and vegetables carefully, and cook shellfish before eating them.
• Clean, then disinfect dirty, or often-touched, surfaces with a household bleach solution of about 0.1% (roughly one part 5 percent bleach to 50 parts water).
• Wash any soiled clothing promptly.

How soon can I return to work after being sick?

Health-care workers and food handlers must be symptom-free (no vomiting or diarrhea) for 48 hours before returning to work, and must abide by strict handwashing procedures.

How can I avoid foodborne illnesses?

Most foodborne illness can be avoided by following these simple food safety tips:

CLEAN:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water:

• Before handling food or eating.
• After handling raw meats, using the toilet, touching pets/animals and changing diapers.
• Wash counters, utensils, cutting boards, and other surfaces after they come into contact with raw meat.
• Don’t forget to sanitize!

COOK:

• Cook all meats, poultry, and eggs to a proper internal temperature, as listed in the table.
• Keep all hot foods at 60°C (140°F) or more, to prevent the growth of bacteria. (For information about cooking temperatures, see PDF Norovirus Fact Sheet)
• Use a kitchen thermometer to check cooking and storage temperatures.

CHILL:

• Chill all leftovers promptly to keep them out of room temperature.
• Refrigerate all perishable foods at 4°C (40°F) or less, to prevent the growth of bacteria. (For information about refrigeration temperatures, see PDF Norovirus Fact Sheet)
• Thaw frozen foods in a refrigerator, cold water, or a microwave oven, not at room temperature.

SEPARATE:

• Use separate cutting boards for raw meats, and raw fruits and vegetables.
• Store raw meats below ready-to-eat foods in the refrigerator to prevent meat juices from contaminating food we may directly consume.

Services related to this information:

• 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
• Contact your Public Health Nurse.