Norovirus

Family of two adults and two children preparing a salad

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
Sending a child to youth camp?
Prevent Norovirus: Camp Healthy

Follow these tips to prevent norovirus at youth camps.

Stomach bug or norovirus?

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.