Norovirus

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is a group of viruses also known as Norwalk and Norwalk-like virus. The virus received the name Norwalk after a town in Ohio where an outbreak at an elementary school first led to the virus’s identification. There are many strains of norovirus and the Norwalk virus group is believed to be the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States.

What are the illnesses associated with norovirus?

Enteritis due to Norwalk virus is the illness caused by the norovirus, but because the norovirus is very difficult to detect with standard lab tests, most times norovirus infection is diagnosed as enteritis, gastroenteritis or simply “stomach flu”.

How is norovirus transmitted?

• Food handled by an individual contaminated with the virus
• Person-to-person contact with an infected individual
• Touching surfaces previously touched by an infected individual

What foods are most at risk for norovirus contamination?

Norovirus is sensitive to heat and usually killed by cooking, but foods handled by infected individuals can harbor the norovirus after preparation or during the serving process. This is especially true for foods that are prepared and served cold or served in high volume situations. Some foods that have been linked to norovirus outbreaks include:

• Salads
• Raw shellfish
• Sandwiches
• Cafeteria / buffet foods

What can you do to help avoid norovirus?

Norovirus if found in the vomit and stool of infected individuals so following standard hygiene practices is a good way to avoid the disease. Hand washing is the first line of defense. Other ways to avoid norovirus include:

• Carefully wash all fruits and vegetables
• Avoid eating raw shellfish
• Keep home surfaces disinfected
• Use hand sanitizer

These safety suggestions can be helpful at controlling the cross contamination threats posed by a contaminated food product, but the only way to assure you are safe from foodborne illness is to never contact a contaminated food product in the first place.

According to the CDC, the responsibility of food safety does not rest in the hands of the consumer. Quoting the CDC’s website,” In the end, it is up to the consumer to demand a safe food supply; up to industry to produce it; up to researchers to develop better ways of doing so; and up to government to see that it happens, to make sure it works and to identify problems still in need of solutions.”

Who is at the greatest risk for norovirus infection?

Anyone who comes into contact with the norovirus is at risk of illness. Onset of the illness occurs about one to two days after ingesting the norovirus, but can occur in a matter of hours. The norovirus illness itself is not very serious, though the symptoms can be intense.

The young, the elderly and individuals with preexisting illnesses are more likely to suffer from severe symptoms and possible complications from a norovirus infection.

Nursing homes, schools and daycares have all been linked to outbreaks and cruise ships have almost become synonymous with the norovirus because of numerous cruise ship outbreaks.

What are the symptoms of norovirus poisoning?

Norovirus illness is brief and typically last about a day or two. Though norovirus illness is not serious its symptoms can be quite severe and include the following:

• Nausea / Vomiting
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• General malaise and discomfort

What are the complications that can occur from a norovirus infection?

Most of the complications that occur from an infection of norovirus are related to severe symptoms. Frequent and intense vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration and hospitalization may be required to properly rehydrate the individual.

Advocating for Food Safety

The foodborne illness lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault promote food safety through legal advocacy, information outreach and analysis of food poisoning outbreaks. The food poisoning attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have helped people harmed by contaminated foods or beverages, including clients in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and across the country.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from a foodborne illness, please contact Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free evaluation of your case. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.