How Norovirus is spread

• Virus particles are abundant in feces and vomit.
• It takes only a very few virus particles to cause sickness.
• Spread is mostly by food or water contaminated by soiled hands.
• The virus spreads easily on toys, other objects, doorknobs or handshakes.
• Victims are contagious for 48 hours after symptoms stop.
• The virus may be airborne in restrooms or where people are vomiting.

Outbreaks

• Approximately 70% of people are susceptible to Norovirus.
• Norovirus infection often occurs in explosive outbreaks or seasonal waves. Hence the name "winter vomiting syndrome."
• Outbreaks are often large, numbering in the hundreds.
• Outbreaks often occur in close groups of people: ships, lodges, schools, institutions, dormitories.

Prevention

• Food worker activities:
  • Allow NO bare hand contact with foods! Use gloves and utensils to manipulate ready-to-eat foods.
  • Exclude from food preparation people who are sick or have recently been sick until 72 hours after their symptoms have stopped.
• Rigorously enforce hand washing.
  • After using the toilet or changing diapers.
  • Before eating food by hand.
• Reduce exposure to vomit.
  • Avoid restrooms where people have been vomiting.
  • Clean up vomit very carefully and disinfect the soiled area with a 10% bleach and water solution.
  • Provide the best air circulation possible to dilute airborne droplets.