Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program

Norovirus

Norovirus includes a group of viruses that cause “stomach flu” or gastroenteritis in people. Individuals may become very sick with acute vomiting and diarrhea lasting 1-2 days. These viruses are the most common cause of food-borne outbreaks. This virus is extremely contagious and can spread rapidly through congregated facilities such as day-care, long term care and school environments. The virus can spread person-to-person, through contact with surfaces in the environment and through contaminated food and beverages.

Resources for Maine Residents:

• Norovirus fact sheet  (Word* | also in  pdf*)
• Federal CDC Norovirus
• Norovirus on cruise ships
• US EPA guidance on cleaning agents for norovirus (pdf*)

Resources for Healthcare Providers:

• Surveillance Report 2012 (pdf*)
• Surveillance Report 2011 (pdf*)
• Maine CDC Norovirus Outbreak Guidance for Long Term Care (word*)
• Maine CDC Norovirus Outbreak Checklist (word*)
• CDC Updated Norovirus Outbreak Management and Disease Prevention Guidelines 2011 (pdf*)
• Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory - Sample Submission
• Federal CDC - Norovirus in Health Care Settings
• Norovirus in Healthcare Facilities Fact Sheet (pdf*)
• CDC HICPAC Guideline (pdf*) for the Prevention and Control of Norovirus Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Healthcare Settings