Norovirus
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes sudden inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is sometimes called stomach flu, but it is unrelated to influenza. Most people recover within a few days. Fluid loss can become serious, especially for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Prevention: Behavior
Symptoms
- Sudden vomiting and watery diarrhea
- Nausea and stomach cramps
- Sometimes a mild fever
- Dehydration when too much fluid is lost
Transmission
- Swallowing virus from contaminated hands, food, water, or surfaces
- Close contact with an infected person
- Particles from vomit contaminating nearby surfaces or entering the mouth
Prevention
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water; hand sanitizer is not a substitute. Choose safe food and drinking water, and clean and disinfect areas contaminated by vomit or stool. Avoid exposing others while ill.
Where it occurs
Norovirus occurs worldwide. Outbreaks are common where people share close quarters, including hotels, cruise ships, schools, and care facilities.
Diagnosis and care
Treatment focuses on replacing lost fluids. Significant dehydration needs medical care. Antibiotics do not treat norovirus.
Source
- Norovirus
Based on CDC information
Source language: English
Source reviewed: April 23, 2025
Source accessed: May 17, 2026
More disease information
-
Adenovirus infection
Adenoviruses are a group of common viruses that can affect the airways, eyes or gut. They infect people of all ages throughout the year. Most infections are mild, but pneumonia and other…
-
Hantavirus
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried mainly by rodents. Different types can cause serious disease affecting the lungs or kidneys. Lung disease occurs mainly in the Americas, while…
-
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by parasites spread by sand flies. Different forms affect the skin, the lining of the nose and mouth, or internal organs. Skin disease may leave…