Where are Noroviruses Found?
Noroviruses are only capable of infecting humans. Outbreaks of Norwalk virus frequently occur in institutional settings such as schools and nursing homes, where infection is passed person to person. They also occur in group settings such as banquet halls, cruise ships, dormitories, and campgrounds, where outbreak sources are usually contaminated food and/or water. Potential sources of contaminated water include municipal water supplies, recreational lakes, swimming pools, and water stored on cruise ships. Potential sources of contaminated food include fruits, salads, and shellfish such as clams and oysters, which are contaminated by water at source. Food that has been handled by infected individuals may also become contaminated and cause outbreaks.
