The Norovirus can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting. Noroviruses are a major cause of gastrointestinal illness in closed and crowded environments, such as hospitals.

Norovirus symptoms may last a few days, but most people recover completely without treatment. However, in some people — especially infants, older adults and people with underlying disease — vomiting and diarrhea can be severely dehydrating and require medical attention.

Infection is highly contagious. Noroviruses commonly spread through food or water contaminated by fecal matter during preparation. You can also acquire norovirus infection through close contact with an infected person — for instance, if you live in a nursing home or work in a day care facility.

Blackrock Clinic has been extremely diligent in avoiding the Norovirus in recent years through the hospital’s hand hygiene programmes since proper hand washing and general cleanliness help prevent the spread of the virus.

For further information, please visit the Health Protection Surveillance Centre web site: https://www.hpsc.ie/