what is norovirus?
Norovirus: A Common Yet Serious Cause of Stomach Flu Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis —an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It’s often mistaken for the “ stomach flu ,” though it’s not related to the influenza virus . Norovirus outbreaks are common, particularly in crowded places such as schools, cruise ships, nursing homes, and hospitals. Although it usually causes a short-term illness, its rapid spread and intensity make it a serious public health concern. Overview and Importance Norovirus is responsible for over 685 million cases of illness globally each year , with children and elderly individuals being the most vulnerable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States , causing about 50% of all food-related outbreaks . Symptoms of Norovirus Infection Symptoms typically begin within 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last anywhere from 1 to...