Norovirus infection resident survival guide

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Twinkle Singh, M.B.B.S. [2]

Definition

Norovirus is one of the extremely contagious viruses leading to 50% of the gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide.

Causes

Life Threatening Causes

Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.

• Life threatening cause 1
• Life threatening cause 2
• Life threatening cause 3

Common Causes

• Common cause 1
• Common cause 2
• Common cause 3
• Common cause 4
• Common cause 5

Management

Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the approach to norovirus infection.

Characterize the symptoms ❑ Non bloody diarrhea ❑ Vomiting ❑ Nausea ❑ Abdominal cramps ❑ Low grade fever ❑ Body aches ❑ Necrotising enterocolitis (in neonates) ❑ Chronic diarrhea (in immunosuppressed) ❑ Irritable bowel syndrome

Take measures to prevent outbreaks

Do's

• Settings prone to outbreaks:
  

❑ Health care settings
❑ Restraunts
❑ Cruise ships
❑ Schools and other institutional settings