1. What is norovirus?
Norovirus, formerly known as Norwak virus, belongs to the Caliciviridae family and is an unenveloped single-stranded positive-stranded RNA virus. It is the main pathogen causing acute gastroenteritis, featuring strong infectivity, rapid mutation and strong environmental resistance.
2. Mode of dissemination
Norovirus has a strong transmission capacity and a wide variety of transmission routes. One may get infected if not careful.
01 Ingestion: If you consume food contaminated with norovirus, such as undercooked shellfish (oysters, clams, etc.), unwashed vegetables and fruits, or drink contaminated water, you may be infected.
02 Feel out: If a patient has touched the surface of objects such as door handles, elevator buttons, or toys and there is residual virus in these areas, and others touch them, touch their mouths and noses, or eat without washing their hands, they may be infected.
03 Droplet spray: If a patient vomits, the virus will be ejected along with the vomit to form aerosols that float in the air. People around who inhale these aerosols may also be infected.
Therefore, the risk of norovirus transmission is very high, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated environments where it is more likely to spread. So, sharing tableware with an infected person, not taking proper protective measures when caring for a sick person, or not paying attention to personal hygiene in a polluted environment are all very dangerous!
3. Infection symptoms
01 Incubation period: Usually 12 to 48 hours, with a minimum of 12 hours and a maximum of 72 hours.
02 Main symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and the stool is mostly watery. In children, vomiting is the main symptom, while in adults, diarrhea is more common. Some patients also have fever, headache and muscle aches.
Course of the disease: Generally, it can recover on its own within 2 to 3 days, but the elderly, infants, and those with weakened immunity may develop serious complications such as dehydration.
4. High-incidence season
From November to March of the following year is the peak period for norovirus, and thus it is also known as “winter vomiting disease”. However, it can be infected throughout the year, especially in crowded places such as schools, kindergartens, nursing homes, cruise ships, etc., where outbreaks are more likely to occur.
5. Preventive measures
01 Wash your hands frequently: Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals, after using the toilet, and before and after handling food.
02 Pay attention to food hygiene: Do not eat raw or cold food. Make sure shellfish and other seafood are thoroughly cooked. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Drink boiled water or bottled water.
03 Standardized disinfection: Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces (such as door handles, tables, and toilets) with chlorine-containing disinfectants (such as 84 disinfectant), and properly handle vomit and excrement.
04 Avoid contact with infected individuals: Infected individuals should be isolated at home until at least 72 hours after symptoms disappear and avoid close contact with others.
6. Post-infection care
01 Replenish fluids: Drink oral rehydration salts in small amounts frequently to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
02 Light diet: Choose easily digestible foods such as rice porridge and noodles, and avoid spicy and greasy foods.
03 Rest and isolation: Get sufficient rest, avoid fatigue, reduce contact with others, and prevent transmission.
Although norovirus is highly contagious, the risk of infection can be effectively reduced through good personal hygiene habits and environmental disinfection measures. If severe dehydration symptoms occur (such as reduced urine output, dry skin, dizziness, etc.), medical attention should be sought promptly.
Post time: Jan-10-2026