Human Services
Norovirus Update
Arlington County Public Health Division has had reports of increased gastrointestinal illness, likely caused by norovirus, in the community.
What is norovirus?
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the “stomach flu,” or gastrointestinal illness. People usually become sick within 24 to 48 hours of exposure.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Some people may also have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. Symptom duration is usually brief, lasting 1 to 2 days. Dehydration can adversely impact the very young, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
How does norovirus spread?
Norovirus is very contagious and spreads easily from person to person. The virus is found in the stool and vomit of infected people. Typically transmission of norovirus occurs when individuals eat contaminated food and water (contaminated through improper food handling), touch a contaminated surface or direct contact with an infected person, followed by touching their own mouth before washing hands.
People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill until 3 days to 2 weeks following recovery. Persons working in day-care centers or nursing homes or other congregate settings should pay special attention to care given to children or residents who have gastrointestinal illness.
How is norovirus treated?
Anyone can become infected with these viruses and multiple reinfections can occur in a person’s lifetime because there are many different strains of norovirus. There is no treatment available for norovirus at present. Supportive care with fluids will reduce the risk of severe dehydration and make recovery faster.
What can I do to protect myself and others?
- Frequently wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds.
- Promptly disinfect contaminated surfaces with a freshly made 10% chlorine bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 9 cups water).
- Wash soiled clothing and linens separately in hot water and detergent for a complete wash cycle – ideally as a half load for best dilution.
- Clean carpets and soft furnishings soiled by vomit or diarrhea with hot water and disinfectant or steaming cleaned. Dry vacuuming is not recommended since viruses may become airborne.
- Avoid food or water from sources that may be contaminated. Cook oysters completely to kill the virus.
- Stay home while you are having symptoms. Do not go to work or have children go to childcare or school.
- Persons who work in nursing homes, take care of patients, or handle food need to stay out of work until at least 3 days after symptoms end.
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