What is a Norwalk Virus?

These viruses, cause gastrointestinal illnesses. There are other members of the Norwalk Virus family and are referred to as ‘Norwalk-like viruses’. The Norwalk Virus is the original virus, and there are at least 11 other related viruses – hence the name “Norwalk-like virus.”

The Norwalk-like viruses symptoms

Are all similar and usually occur between 24 hours and 48 hours after exposure. A sudden onset of symptoms is not uncommon, with no previous feelings of being "unwell”, they include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, headache, tiredness and low-grade fever. Symptoms typically last 24 hours to 48 hours and subside on their own. There are no known long- term effects after recovery from this infection.

How is the Norwalk Virus Contracted?

Noroviruses are often contracted through hands not being washed after going to the toilet (especially after a bowel movement) and then being transmitted through the mouth, or by consuming faecally contaminated food , water, or by direct person-to-person contact with infected people, or with objects that are infected.

The most common places to contract these viruses are cruise ships, hotels,hospitals and schools, but have been found elsewhere especially in confined spaces where there are a lot of people together, and there is food handling.

How is the Virus Treated?

There are at present no drugs or medical treatment available to fight the virus or prevent it.

The virus is usually short lived in most healthy people (24 to 48 hours duration) but can be very unpleasant while it lasts. Because the illness produces vomiting and diarrhoea it is important to restore and maintain fluid levels, especially among young children, the elderly, the sick, and any person who is already unwell, dehydration is a common problem, and is a serious health problem that can result from the Norwalk Virus. By drinking fluids or water, the chances of becoming dehydrated are greatly reduced.

What to do if you have the Norwalk Virus

Drink lots of fluids.
Rest for 48 hours after your vomiting and diarrhoea have stopped.
Do not prepare or handle food that will be eaten by others.
See a doctor if your symptoms last longer than three days or you have bloody diarrhoea or a high fever.

How to help prevent catching the Virus

To reduce the chances of becoming infected by the virus regular hand washing, washing fruit and vegetables, disinfecting contaminated surfaces, and immediate washing of soiled articles of clothing is necessary. If food or water is suspected as having been contaminated by someone with the virus avoid eating or drinking these.

For further information on this subject please go to the website for Norovirus's Q&A