Norovirus – Rotovirus
Norovirus
CDC Links
http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html
Rotovirus
CDC Links
http://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/about/index.html
Viral Gastroenteritis
CDC Website
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/faq.htm
Copied from DPH School Health Manual
Norovirus
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes accompanied by fever, headache, and abdominal cramps. Illness typically begins 12–72 hours after the virus is ingested. Symptoms usually last 1 or 2 days, but some infected people may feel sick for as long as 2 weeks. Shedding of the virus in stool and vomit can last as long as 13 days.
Transmission: Most norovirus infections have been detected in children under 4, but outbreaks have occurred in all age groups, with a high rate of transmission in situations such as child care centers and cruise ships. Norovirus is transmitted when stool or vomit on hands or objects is spread to others’ hands or mouths. It can also be spread through food, drink, or water contaminated with stool or vomit. This virus spreads easily because people can still shed this virus after they feel well, and it takes very few viral particles to cause illness.
Diagnosis: Norovirus can be diagnosed by testing stool or vomit from an infected person, but only a few laboratories are able to perform this test. Therefore, diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms. DPH will perform this test in outbreak situations, and sometimes when food handlers are ill.
Treatment: No specific treatment is available for norovirus infection. As in all diarrheal illness, maintenance of hydration is critical. Norovirus cannot be treated with antibiotics. Although some people with this infection may require supportive care, most get better without medical attention in a day or two.
School attendance guidelines: See school attendance and return guidelines for infectious diarrhea in the introduction to this section.
Reporting requirements: A case of norovirus infection or any clusters of vomiting or diarrhea must be reported to the local board of health..
Notification guidelines: When norovirus infection occurs in a school, the school nurse and school physician should determine, based on their judgment, whether some or all parents/guardians and
staff should be notified. When necessary, they may consult with DPH. Parent/guardian notification should also be discussed with the school administrator. (See Exhibit 8-6 for a sample letter to parents/guardians about diarrheal diseases.) Fact sheets from DPH should accompany this notification.
Inform family and household members in contact with a person with norovirus infection of their possible exposure to the virus, especially if they are involved in food handling or preparation. Those who develop vomiting or diarrhea should immediately see a health care provider.
Prevention guidelines: Careful attention to good hygiene, handwashing, environmental cleaning, and sanitation is very important in reducing spread of norovirus.
Additional necessary measures during outbreaks: Since norovirus is very easily transmitted person-to-person, staff and students should be reminded not to share food, drink, or eating utensils during an outbreak. It is essential to strictly follow the precautionary measures outlined in the introduction to this section. Monitor and enforce handwashing and ensure that handwashing facilities are properly supplied. When norovirus outbreaks are identified, thorough environmental cleaning is essential, especially where vomiting has occurred.