Norovirus
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus. You can get norovirus from:
- Having direct contact with an infected person
- Consuming contaminated food or water
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth
The most common symptoms are:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
Protect yourself and others from norovirus:
- Wash your hands often
- Rinse fruits and vegetables
- Cook shellfish thoroughly
- Stay home when sick and for two days after symptoms stop
- Avoid preparing food for others when sick and for two days after symptoms stop
- Outbreaks are common
- The virus spreads very easily and quickly
- Norovirus spreads:
- From infected people to others
- Through contaminated foods and surfaces
- Outbreaks can happen anytime, but they occur most often from November to April
Learn more about specimens and laboratory testing for diagnosing norovirus infection.
Find information for healthcare providers and health departments.
Explore factsheets, infographics, podcasts, posters, videos, and web widgets.
Learn more from scientific articles and educational materials related to norovirus.
Follow these tips to prevent norovirus at youth camps.
You may hear norovirus illness be called “food poisoning,” “stomach flu,” or “stomach bug.” Noroviruses are the leading cause of foodborne illness, but other germs and chemicals can also cause foodborne illness.
Norovirus illness is not related to the flu, which is caused by influenza virus.