What is the Norovirus?
The norovirus aka Norwalk virus is an intestinal virus that is transmitted by fecal contaminated food or water. it can stay viable for up to 24 hours on door handles and objects handled by the infected person. There are studies that report it’s viability can be close to two weeks. It should be noted that the highest viability is within the first seventy-two hours and is not as contagious as time passes. This virus is thought to account for up to fifty percent of gastroenteritis, which presents as intense vomiting and diarrhea. This virus is very common in closed off communities such as cruise ships, dormitories, schools and hospitals.
It originated in 1968 in an elementary school in Norwalk, Ohio, hence the name. The incubation period for this virus is about one to two days, symptoms can last up to five days with resolution being supportive treatment. This virus accounts for many urgent care visits, and emergency department visits. Telling your clinician about your previous travel is very important, and may help in the diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of the Norovirus?
Intense stomach cramping, watery diarrhea (blood in stool is unusual for norovirus), vomiting, headache, and fever may or may not be present. If fever does occur it is not of high grade.
What is the treatment for Norovirus?
Treatment is supportive; reassuring the patient this will be self limiting so they know there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. Oral hydration is imperative with sipping of fluids. Gulping fluids will usually result in vomiting, due to stomach irritation and overload. Antibiotics are of no use.Please be advise soda, and sport drinks are not beneficial for children under five yeas old due to inappropriate sugar and sodium concentrations. If vomiiting is intense and does not abate with the slow introduction of fluids, sometimes IV fluids may be needed. Over the counter Loperamide is helpful to slow the diarrhea down, but is not recommended under the age of five years old. ANY VOMITING OR DIARRHEA LASTING LONGER THAN THREE DAYS MUST BE EVALUATED BY A CLINICIAN. OF COURSE THE CONDITION OF THE PATIENT AND POSSIBLE DEHYDRATION AS WELL AS THE PATIENTS AGE SHOULD ALL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION. IF THERE IS BLOOD IN THE STOOL THIS ALSO SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND CULTURES AS WELL AS POSSIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY MAY BE NEEDED.
How to prevent Norovirus ?
Hand sanitizers are imperative. “The best solution to pollution is dilution.” Airplanes, cruise ships, hospitals, nursing homes and any facility whee people are together for a period of time should wash their hands frequently. Using a public restroom, washing your hands and opening the door. Try using the paper towel to open the door, this would be a smart safety intervention when in an enclosed space with many people. The norovirus is self limiting, and mortality is very rare.