Norovirus Outbreak: How ‘Winter Vomiting bug’ Could Spoil Your New Year’s eve 2025!

Norovirus outbreaks are linked to causing around 50 percent of cases of gastroenteritis in the United States Of America

The Norovirus Incubation period is around 24 hours and the disease can last from 12-60 hours.

‘Winter Vomiting bug’ is the name given to it because most of the cases of this virus are seen during winter months which happens to be around New Year’s Eve as food contamination can occur during celebrations.

Norovirus outbreak: New year’s eve plans spoiler

What is Norovirus?

This virus belongs to the Human Calicivirus family which is Non-enveloped, round, and Icosahedral in shape.

It is a single and positive-stranded virus.

Why is Norovirus outbreak your New Year’s Eve plans spoiler?

The cases of infections from these viruses are increased during winter months and outbreak are common in festive season when people gather and celebrate. So New year’s eve can be spoiled due to this winter vomiting bug.

This virus however infects humans all year round and most adults have developed antibodies against it.

Who is at Risk?

1. Infections are common in developing countries in which infections occur at younger ages and adults develop antibodies against the virus.
2. Military personnel who are deployed to various areas and countries are at higher risk of getting infected with this virus.
3. People living in cold areas are more prone to these infections.
4. Travelers especially those traveling to areas with poor hygiene are at risk of getting infected.
5. People following improper sanitation and hygiene methods.
6. People who consume contaminated food and water.
7. Immunocompromised patients such as patients suffering from AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are at higher risk of getting infected.
8. People who are frequently eating from unhygienic restaurants and roadside eateries.
9. Small babies and toddlers are also at risk.
10. Schoolchildren and college students can get this infection too.

Transmission and Incubation period of the virus-

Is Norovirus spread by coughing and sneezing?

Yes, Norovirus can spread by coughing and sneezing as a very small drop of contaminated material can spread this virus. So, the droplets from coughing and sneezing of the infected person can transmit this virus through aerosol mode.

Transmission- How do you get this virus?

1. Fecal-Oral Route- when the feces of the person infected with this virus enters the body of a healthy person then this infection can spread. It happens mostly due to unhygienic practices., contaminated water and food.
2. Vomit- Vomit can also contain this virus and spread through it.
3. Aerosol- Coughing and sneezing can also spread this disease through droplet infection.
4. Contaminated surface- Touching surfaces that are infected by this virus can also spread this infection.
5. Contact- Coming in contact with the infected person will lead to the spread of the infection.

How long does it take to get norovirus after exposure?

The incubation period (time between exposure to the virus and appearance of the first symptoms) of this virus can be about 24 hours.

Infections can last from somewhere about 12 hours to 60 hours.

Pathogenesis and Symptoms-

What is the pathogenesis of norovirus?

1. The virus enters the body of the healthy person and goes into the stomach where it attaches to the epithelium of the gastroduodenal cells.
2. Lesions appear in the upper part of the jejunum and the villi becomes blunt.
3. Microvilli become smaller in size.
4. Lamina propria gets infiltrated with neutrophils and lymphocytes.
5. Due to these changes in the gastrointestinal tract, the absorption process of carbohydrates and fat is hampered.
6. All these changes lead to symptoms of gastroenteritis like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Norovirus symptoms in adults-

1. Nausea- Felling or sensation of vomiting.
2. Vomiting- The patient can vomit which can include water and ingested food particles.
3. Stomach pain- One of the common complaints can be pain in the stomach.
4. Diarrhoea– Passing of stool or fecal matter in watery consistency. Blood or mucus in the stool is not seen in these cases.
5. Other symptoms include fever, Headache, weakness, loss of appetite, chills, and muscular pain (myalgias).

Symptoms in toddler-

Compared to adults, vomiting is a more common symptom in children than adults.

Diagnosis-

What is the diagnostic method for norovirus?

1. PCR- Polymerase chain reactions are used in the laboratories to diagnose the virus. Specimens used for PCR in this test are fecal matter and vomitus of the patients.
2. Enzyme immunoassay – specimens used are fecal matter of the patients to check for the response of the specific viral antigen.

Norovirus outbreak diagnosis-

During outbreaks, commercially available kits are also used as the accuracy of these kits is less but in case of an outbreak, only a few positive kits can help to narrow down the causes.

Symptoms and assessment by the doctors help in the diagnosis as well.

Treatment and Prevention-

How do you treat the winter vomiting bug?

Oral rehydration therapy is the mainstay of the treatment. Only if it is not sufficient or the patient is vomiting, then intra venous fluid is given.

Paracetamol can be given to the patients if suffering from fever.

Depending on the symptoms and co-morbid conditions, the doctor can decide if the patient can be managed from home or patients need to be admitted.

what precautions are used for Norovirus?

1. Food and water are the main sources of the virus spread. Using clean and hygienic methods to cook food can prevent the spread of the virus.
2. Drinking clean or boiling the water before consumption can help reduce the risk of the infection.
3. People traveling to areas that are known for these viruses should take extra precautions and avoid the travel if not necessary.
4. Military personnel who are posted in virus-affected areas should take precautions while eating and drinking. And consult the doctor if develop any symptoms.
5. Always wash hands with soap after using the toilet.
6. Washing hands with soap is also important before cooking food and eating food.
7. If a person is suffering from this virus, then it is better to avoid contact with the patient, as the disease can spread from person to person.
8. Cleaning the surface that comes in contact with the infected person with disinfectant is important to prevent the spread of infection through surface contact.
9. Avoid eating from roadside eateries and unhygienic restaurants, as the virus can infect you easily from these places.
10. Always contact your doctor to get checked if you develop any symptoms. Early treatment can control the disease and improve the chances of getting healthy soon.