Norovirus infection overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis, which is commonly known as the "stomach flu" or "food poisoning", in people. The term norovirus was recently approved as the official name for this group of viruses. Norovirus is a very contagious virus. One can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed (acute gastroenteritis). This leads to stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea and to vomit. Anyone can be infected with norovirus and get sick. Also, norovirus infection can occur many times in life. Norovirus illness can be serious, especially for young children and older adults. Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States. Each year, it causes about 21 million illnesses and contributes to about 70,000 hospitalizations and 800 deaths. Norovirus is also the most common cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States. The best way to help prevent norovirus is to practice proper hand washing and general cleanliness.