Norovirus infection typically causes acute gastroenteritis. It is also a common cause of food poisoning and is usually related to consumption of undercooked shellfish. People can also get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. Norovirus can also cause outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in settings where people are staying close together such as schools, elderly homes, hotels and cruise ships. The disease affects people of all age groups and tends to be more common during winter. The virus is previously known as ‘Norwalk-like viruses.
The disease is characterised by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, low-grade fever and malaise.