Norovirus Symptoms
Again, norovirus is a leading cause of foodborne illness. It typically leads to acute gastroenteritis, characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms within 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. Common symptoms of norovirus include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps and pain
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
While norovirus is often referred to as the “stomach flu,” it is not related to influenza, which primarily affects the respiratory system. Though symptoms can be intense, healthy adults usually recover 1 to 3 days.
However, babies, young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems may experience more extreme and long-lasting symptoms. In serious cases, norovirus can even lead to death.
How Is Norovirus Spread?
Norovirus is incredibly contagious and spreads easily. The CDC warns that even minimal exposure to viral particles can make you ill. Crowded spaces and tight quarters are most at risk for norovirus contamination. Common causes of norovirus infections include:
- Direct Contact with an Infected Person – Caring for or sharing spaces and utensils with someone infected with norovirus can lead to transmission.
- Consuming Contaminated Food or Water – The CDC reports that norovirus causes about 50 percent of all foodborne illnesses nationwide. Viral spread can occur when an infected person handles food without washing their hands or if food is contaminated at its source.
- Touching Contaminated Surfaces and Then Touching Your Mouth – Studies have shown that norovirus can survive on surfaces for up to 21 to 28 days. Touching contaminated surfaces followed by your mouth, nose, or eyes can lead to infection.
- Aerosolized Particles from Vomit or Fecal Matter – When an infected person vomits or has diarrhea, viral particles can become airborne, raising the risk of infection.
How Can Businesses Prevent Norovirus?
Businesses have a legal duty to protect customers by taking reasonable measures to prevent injuries and illness. Businesses could face a norovirus lawsuit if their customers and patrons become sick when they fail to uphold this duty. Common defendants in norovirus lawsuits include:
- Cruise ships
- Hotels and resorts
- Restaurants, especially buffets
- Grocery stores
- Daycares or schools
- Nursing homes
- Healthcare facilities
Some ways businesses can prevent the spread of norovirus in their establishments include:
- Strict Hygiene Practices – Encourage frequent and proper hand washing with soap and water among all employees, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and when handling food. While alcohol-based hand sanitizer does kill some pathogens that lead to sickness and infections, the CDC warns that it is not 100 percent effective against norovirus.
- Proper Food Handling – Ensure employees follow safe food preparation and handling practices, including cooking foods to the right temperature, avoiding cross-contamination, and using gloves when necessary. Food handlers who are sick should not work until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
- Regular Cleaning and Disinfection – Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, paying special attention to high-touch surfaces like tables, doorknobs, light switches, and bathroom fixtures. Use EPA-registered disinfectants that are known to be effective against norovirus.
- Immediate Response to Contamination – If a customer vomits or experiences diarrhea in an establishment, promptly clean and disinfect the area using a chlorine bleach solution or other disinfectant known to be effective against norovirus. Ensure the cleanup minimizes viral spread as much as possible.
- Employee Training – Educate employees about norovirus, including how it spreads, the importance of reporting illness, and proper food handling and cleaning procedures.
- Illness Reporting and Exclusion Policies – Establish clear guidelines requiring employees to report if they or members of their household experience norovirus-like symptoms.
- Communication with Health Authorities – Communicate with public health authorities and follow their guidance in the event of an outbreak. Reporting outbreaks can help manage the viral spread and provide access to additional resources and support.
If an employee shows signs of an infection, take every precaution to prevent norovirus contamination. Because infected individuals can spread norovirus for up to two weeks after symptoms subside, requiring a doctor’s note before allowing them to return to work may be wise, especially if they handle food.
How Can I Prevent Norovirus?
There are numerous ways individuals can protect themselves and reduce the risk of transmitting norovirus. These include the following:
- Wash Your Hands Regularly – Use soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom, and after changing diapers.
- Handle and Prepare Food Safely – Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them, cook meats thoroughly, and be cautious when eating food prepared by someone who is sick.
- Clean and Disinfect Surfaces – Use a bleach-based household cleaner to disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Wash Laundry Thoroughly – Immediately remove and wash clothes or linens contaminated with vomit or feces. Handle soiled items carefully (do not shake them) to avoid spreading norovirus particles. Wash with detergent at the maximum cycle length and machine dry.
- Avoid Close Contact with Sick People – Limit contact with people who show symptoms of norovirus, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
- Stay Home if Sick – If you experience norovirus symptoms, stay at home and avoid preparing food for others until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
- Be Cautious When Traveling – Pay extra attention to hygiene and food safety when traveling. Buffet-style dining on cruise ships is particularly noted as a source of norovirus outbreaks.
- Use Disposable Items if Someone Is Sick – Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils to prevent the spread of the virus when someone in your household is ill.
- Stay Hydrated – If you get sick, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Legal Options for Norovirus Infections
If you believe you contracted norovirus due to unsafe practices at a commercial establishment, you may be entitled to legal compensation through a food poisoning lawsuit. Keep Food Safe can connect you with an experienced norovirus lawyer. Contact us today to learn more about legal support available to food poisoning victims.
