What are “noroviruses,” and how can they be prevented?
Noroviruses are very common viruses that can cause gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu. Even though the illness is called the “flu,” these viruses are different from the influenza virus, which causes a respiratory illness, not a digestive problem. Noroviruses are often spread through improper food handling and, along with hepatitis A — also caused by a virus — they are the most common type of food-borne illness. Unfortunately, just a small number of the microorganisms can make you ill. Any kind of food can become contaminated, but ready-to-eat foods, such as salads, cut fruit and deli meats, are among the most common. Although noroviruses are destroyed with thorough cooking, they can survive freezing temperatures. Some outbreaks have been associated with ice made from contaminated water. Noroviruses are also called “Norwalk-like” viruses because they were first identified in an outbreak in Norwalk, Ohio, in 1972. Symptoms usually appear suddenly and last about one or two days. Common
