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What
is Norwalk virus infection?
Norwalk
virus infection is a common cause of diarrhea and vomiting
sickness in the United States. The virus was first identified
during an outbreak in Norwalk, Ohio, in 1972.
Who
gets Norwalk virus infection?
Any
person of any age group can become infected. It occurs mainly
in humans and is found in every part of the world. Recent
reports suggest animals may also carry the illness, but
animals have not been shown to pass the virus to humans.
How
is Norwalk virus spread?
It
is spread by exposure to infected people or contaminated
food and water. The virus is passed in stool and vomit.
Outbreaks have been caused by sick food handlers, shellfish,
or contaminated water (pools, lakes, ice, etc.). It is usually
spread from person-to-person by direct contact, but some
medical reports suggest that the virus can spread through
the air during vomiting.
What
are the symptoms?
Symptoms
of Norwalk virus infection include nausea, vomiting, non-bloody
diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Headache and low-grade fever
may also occur.
How
long do symptoms last?
Persons
with Norwalk virus usually recover within 2 to 3 days without
serious or long-term health effects. Although the virus
is easy to spread, serious illness rarely occurs.
How
soon after exposure do symptoms usually appear?
Most
people will begin to have symptoms within 1 to 2 days, but
some people may become ill as early as 10 hours or as late
as 3 days.
What
is the treatment?
No
specific treatment is available. Persons who become dehydrated
will need to drink plenty of clear fluids. Rarely, people
may become sick enough to go to the hospital. There is no
vaccine available and antibiotics should not be used.
How
can Norwalk virus infection be prevented?
The following steps may reduce the risk of getting or spreading
the infection:
- wash hands
thoroughly after each toilet visit and before preparing
food.
- people who
experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should not attend
school or work and should not handle food for others
while ill.
- avoid drinking
untreated water.
- cook shellfish
thoroughly before eating.
If
I get it once, will I get it again?
Norwalk
virus infection only gives you short-term immunity. A person
may get sick each time he/she comes in contact with the
virus.
How
often does it occur?
Norwalk
virus infection can occur at any time of year and is the
cause of about half of the gastrointestinal illness in the
United States.
Where
can I get more information?
-
Your personal doctor
- Your local health department, listed in your telephone
directory
- The Utah Department of Health, Office of Epidemiology
(801) 538-6191
- The Center for Disease Control and Prevention
UTAH
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
OFFICE OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
November 2002
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