Norovirus

Rare card · No. 40879

Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus, is the most common cause of gastroenteritis. The infection, sometimes referred to informally as the winter vomiting disease or the stomach flu, is characterized by non-bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Fever or headaches may also occur. Symptoms usually develop 24 hours after being exposed, and recovery typically occurs within one to three days. Complications are uncommon, but may include dehydration, especially in the young, the old, and those with other health problems. The virus is usually spread by the fecal–oral route. This may be through contaminated food or water or person-to-person contact. It may also spread via contaminated surfaces or through air from the vomit of an infected person. Risk factors include unsanitary food preparation and sharing close quarters. Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms. Confirmatory testing is not usually available but may be performed by public health agencies during outbreaks. Prevention involves...

Read on Wikipedia · Image Dr. Victor Padilla-Sanchez, PhD, CC BY-SA 4.0