Infection Prevention & Control
Norovirus / Winter Vomiting Disease
Acute gastroenteritis is a very common illness. Norovirus (also known as SRSV, "Winter Vomiting Bug") is the commonest cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in the community and in healthcare facilities. Since Norovirus is a community infection, outbreaks in settings where people congregate such as hospitals are simply a reflection of the virus in the wider community.
How is it Transmitted? Person to person
The primary mode of transmission is by the faecal-oral route and direct person-to person spread, Vomiting (air-oral mucous membrane), casuing widespread aerosal dissemination of virus particles, environmental contamination and subsequent indirect person to person spread.
Food Borne
Foods that are handled and are not subjected to furtther cooking such as cold meats, salads or sandwiches are commonly implicated in food borne Norovirus infection.
However any food item can potentially transmit Norovirus if it is handled or comes in contact with an infected food handler or is exposed to environmental contamination.
Waterborne
Water and ice are increasingly recognised as vehicles for transmission of Norovirus.
Fomites
Contaminated environment surfaces such as door handles and curtains facilitate indirect person to person transmission.