Norovirus infection is a condition characterized by nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in some cases, loss of taste. It occurs between 12-24 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Noroviruses are highly contagious and commonly spread through food or water that is contaminated during preparation. It can also spread through close contact with a person who has norovirus infection. The symptoms of this infection take between 1-3 days and may even disappear completely without treatment. Children, older adults and people with other medical conditions vomiting and diarrhea can be severely dehydrating and require medical attention.

It occurs most frequently in closed and crowded environments such hospitals, nursing homes, child and cruise ships. The signs and symptoms of this infection include vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, loose diarrhea, and stomach pains. People can continue to shed virus in your stool for several weeks after recovery. Depending on whether or not individuals have other medical conditions, the shedding of the virus may weeks to months. It is also important to note that some people with norovirus infection may show no signs or symptoms. Patients should seek for medical help if they develop diarrhea that doesn’t go away within several days.

Noroviruses can develop by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. It can also develop when one touches the mouth after holding a contaminated surface. Moreover, being in close contact with a person who has this infection can increase the risk factor. The warning signs of dehydration include fatigue, dry mouth and throat, dizziness, and decreased urine output. This condition can be prevented by wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the toilet. Avoid contaminated food and water, including food that could have been prepared by someone who was sick. Also, washing fruits before eating.