News — Norovirus

The “Stomach flu” (Viral gastroenteritis) although not actually the flu can be spread from person to person or by touching a contaminated surface, as well as from sewage-contaminated food or water, or meals prepared or handled by an infected person. The Norovirus causes gastroenteritis.  Though they share some of the same symptoms, technically the flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. Typically most children and adults infected with this virus will experience violent stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Fever, a headache and body aches can also be experienced. Most people who get a stomach bug virus experience...

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the Norovirus is the most common type of foodborne illness in the United States. Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America says, “Studies have shown that the majority of outbreaks occur when food is contaminated by food service workers. With norovirus, it's a very abrupt onset - within a day or two - and vomiting is the predominant symptom.”  Typically most children and adults infected with this virus will experience violent stomach pain, nausea,...