Norovirus infection natural history, complications and prognosis
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Symptoms of norovirus infection start within 12 to 48 hours of exposure to the virus and usually last 24 to 72 hours. Patients usually recover completely without treatment (only hydration) and without any serious long-term sequalae. Young children, elderly, and immunocompromised patients are at a higher risk of complications.
Natural History
- The incubation period for norovirus-associated gastroenteritis in humans is usually between 24 and 48 hours (median in outbreaks 33 to 36 hours), but cases can occur within 12 hours of exposure.
- Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually last 24 to 72 hours.
- Patients usually recover completely without treatment (only hydration) and without any serious long-term problems.
- Patients continue to shed the virus up to at least 3 days after their recovery.[1]
Complications
- Norovirus is rarely associated with serious complications especially in an immunocompetent host.
- Among young children, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised, norovirus required close monitoring and aggressive supportive therapy to prevent severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that may lead to death.[1][2]
Prognosis
- The prognosis of norovirus infection is excellent. Almost all patients recover completely without any long-term sequalae.
- Young children, elderly, and immunocompromised patients are at a higher risk of complications.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Norovirus Clinical Overview. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015). http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/hcp/clinical-overview.html Accessed on December 8,2015.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bok K, Green KY (2012). "Norovirus gastroenteritis in immunocompromised patients". N Engl J Med. 367 (22): 2126–32. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1207742. PMID 23190223.