Viral gastroenteritis is an
infection of the intestines commonly caused by Norovirus,
formerly called “Norwalk-like viruses”
Viral gastroenteritis is often called the “flu” or
the “stomach flu,” and should not be confused
with the influenza virus that is transmitted through
the air and causes different symptoms like a cough and
fever.
Viral gastroenteritis occurs in people of all ages
Viral gastroenteritis is a common infection. It
is often seen in the winter among children in schools
and child care settings, and among residents and employees
of nursing homes.
People get viral gastroenteritis from other people
Norovirus is present in the stool or vomit of infected
persons. The virus is usually spread to other people
either by contact with an infected person's stool or
vomit or by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. The
virus can also be spread by being near someone who is
infected with Norovirus while they are vomiting. The
virus is easily spread in settings such as households,
health care settings, schools and child care centers,
and during food preparation if hands have not been thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
Norovirus causes symptoms such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Low fever
- Headache, muscle aches, chills
- Tiredness
Symptoms usually begin suddenly in 12 to 48 hours after
exposure. Symptoms usually last 24 to 48 hours
and go away without treatment.
Hand washing is the most important way to prevent infection. Wash
hands with soap and water:
- After using the toilet
- After having diarrhea or vomiting
- After changing diapers
- After touching any stool‑soiled
or vomit-soiled materials, toilets, or surfaces
- Before handling food or drink
- After cleaning up vomit or diarrhea
from someone who is ill with Norovirus gastroenteritis
- Before eating
Help young children to wash their hands.
See your doctor if you have severe gastroenteritis
- If vomiting and/or diarrhea are severe, you
may need to receive fluids in the hospital.
- Food handlers, health care/child care workers,
and children in child care who have viral gastroenteritis should
not work or attend child care until their symptoms
have cleared.
- Antibiotics do not treat viral gastroenteritis and
will not help your symptoms.
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Maryland Department of Health & Mental
Hygiene
Office of Epidemiology and Disease Control Programs
March 2006 |
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