What is the primary characteristic of Norovirus?

Norovirus is primarily characterized as being highly contagious and is known to cause gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that leads to severe vomiting and diarrhea. This virus can spread easily from person to person, particularly in crowded settings such as nursing homes, schools, and cruise ships. The primary transmission routes include contaminated food, water, surfaces, and direct contact with infected individuals.

Gastroenteritis caused by Norovirus leads to symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, often resulting in dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations like older adults or those with weakened immune systems. Understanding the contagious nature of Norovirus is crucial for implementing effective infection prevention measures in nursing homes, where outbreaks can have serious implications for residents' health.

While alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help reduce the presence of some pathogens, they are not effective against Norovirus, emphasizing the importance of thorough handwashing with soap and water instead. This further highlights the importance of recognizing Norovirus's characteristics and its impact on infection control practices.