Norovirus Infections on the Rise

Posted on March 31, 2022 by Kari Everson

Infection prevention and control is a significant focus in our settings, particularly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Minnesota, we are starting to see an increase in another common illness: the Norovirus.

Norovirus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. In other words, we ingest the virus after contact with contaminated surfaces or items. It's essential to remember hand sanitizer is not particularly effective against Norovirus. Therefore, if people are experiencing Norovirus symptoms, staff and residents should be encouraged to perform hand hygiene with soap and water. The virus is also resistant to many cleaners, so it is vital to ensure cleaning products specifically list they are effective against Norovirus on the product label.

Symptoms of Norovirus include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, and body aches. If you suspect a Norovirus outbreak in your organization, isolate the resident while they are ill for 72 hours after symptoms subside. Transmission-based precautions for Norovirus include standard precautions and contact precautions requiring the use of gloves and gown when caring for residents. Masks and eye protection are recommended if there is the possibility of a splash, such as during a bath. Actively ill residents should be excluded from activities or other areas where they can touch objects that are not disposable and that other residents could touch. If Norovirus is suspected, residents should be tested. Positive Norovirus is a reportable disease, and MDH should be informed. More information on reportable diseases is on the MDH website. A Norovirus toolkit is also available from MDH.

For questions about Norovirus or other infection prevention and control topics, please contact Kari Everson.