Health Alert: Norovirus Season Begins – Know the Symptoms

Raleigh, NC – Norovirus is a common cause of gastrointestinal illness and is especially common during the winter months. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is alerting health care providers and the public to protect themselves against this contagious virus and to be aware of symptoms to avoid transmitting the virus to others.

“Noroviruses are very hard to kill,” said Dr. Robin Gary Cummings, acting state health director. “As with most viruses, the most important way to prevent the spread of illness is by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus.”

People can get sick through direct contact with a person who has the virus, by touching contaminated surfaces, or by eating food or drinking liquids that have been contaminated with the virus.

The symptoms of norovirus illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly stomach cramping. Some people may also have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. In most people, the illness lasts for about one or two days. However, some people – especially young children and the elderly – can quickly become dehydrated and might require medical care or even hospitalization. There are no specific medications to treat norovirus.

Public health experts recommend the following measures to protect yourself and your family from norovirus: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and before preparing, serving, or eating food or drink. Hand sanitizer gels are not effective against norovirus. Do not prepare food for others to eat while you are sick, and for at least 48 hours afterward. Remember that you can spread the virus for days and sometimes weeks after the illness ends.

For more information about norovirus, visit www.ncdhhs.gov.