Norovirus (Norwalk-like Virus, Small Round Structured Virus/SRSV)

Norovirus is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and vomiting) in England and Wales. The Illness is generally mild and people usually recover fully within 2-3 days; there are no long term effects that result from being infected.  Infections can occur at any age because immunity is not long lasting. The disease was historically known as 'winter vomiting disease' due to its seasonality and typical symptoms.

Outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis are common in semi-closed environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools and cruise ships. When an outbreak occurs in a hospital it is often necessary to close affected wards to help control the outbreak. It is vital that anyone who is feeling unwell with gastrointestinal symptoms, vomiting and or diarrhoea, should not visit hospitals as this increases the risk of spreading the infection to patients and staff.

Norovirus is highly infectious. Particular attention to good hygiene measures should be observed during outbreaks. It is very important to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with someone who is ill and after using the toilet, especially if you are suffering from symptoms. Thorough cleaning of hard surfaces with a bleach solution, paying particular attention to the toilet and toilet area and cleaning up vomit and the surrounding area quickly will help to reduce environmental contamination and reduce the risk of infection in others coming into contact with these surfaces later on.

Structure of a norovirus
(Image: B.V. Prasad)

Related Topics:

• Calicivirus
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Respiratory viruses