Norovirus: The Most Common Foodborne Foe You Need to Know

Microscopic villains are lurking in our food that can lead to foodborne illnesses, and one of the most common culprits is norovirus. This blog post will delve into it, why it's a concern, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from its harmful effects. Whether you're a concerned consumer or someone working in the food industry, this information is essential for everyone.

What is Norovirus?
Norovirus, often called the "stomach bug" or "winter vomiting bug", is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is incredibly small, with a diameter of only about 27 to 38 nanometers. To put that in perspective, you could fit over 5,000 norovirus particles side by side across the width of a human hair.

Norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne illness in the United States. It is estimated that norovirus causes 21 million illnesses and 71,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States. It can infect people of all ages but is most common in children and the elderly. Its symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever.

How Does Norovirus Spread?
Norovirus spreads easily and rapidly, making it a particularly troublesome pathogen. It can be transmitted through:

1. Food Contamination: Norovirus can contaminate food and water, especially if an infected person touches food or utensils without proper hand hygiene. Consuming contaminated food or beverages is a standard route of transmission.
2. Person-to-Person Contact: Close contact with an infected person, especially when caring for someone sick or sharing utensils, can facilitate the transmission of norovirus.
3. Contaminated Surfaces: Norovirus can survive on surfaces for extended periods, allowing it to spread through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.
4. Aerosolization: When an infected person vomits, the virus can become aerosolized, contaminating nearby surfaces and even infecting others through inhalation of viral particles.

Symptoms and Duration
Norovirus infection typically starts with symptoms appearing 12 to 48 hours after exposure. These symptoms can last for 1 to 3 days and can be quite debilitating. Dehydration is a significant concern, especially in severe vomiting and diarrhea cases. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of norovirus, it's crucial to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if necessary.

 

The most common symptoms are:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Headache
• Body aches
• Low fever

Why is Norovirus a Concern?
Norovirus has been causing illness for centuries, although it wasn't until recently that scientists began to understand the virus more thoroughly. The virus was first identified in an outbreak in a school in Norwalk, Ohio, in 1968. This is why it was initially called the "Norwalk virus." Over time, researchers discovered multiple norovirus strains, each with slightly different genetic characteristics, which can make it challenging to develop effective vaccines or treatments.

Norovirus can cause widespread outbreaks, particularly in settings where people gather closely, such as cruise ships, schools, and nursing homes. The virus is highly contagious; even a few viral particles can lead to infection. This makes it challenging to control and prevent outbreaks. Additionally, norovirus can be especially severe for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Also, this virus is known for its remarkable resilience. It can withstand various temperatures and is resistant to many common disinfectants. This is one of the reasons it's so challenging to control it.

Preventing Norovirus Infections

 

Preventing norovirus infections is essential for individuals and those in the food industry. Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Handwashing: Proper hand hygiene is the first line of defense against norovirus. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, and eating or preparing food.
• Food Safety: When handling food, follow good food safety practices. Ensure that food is cooked thoroughly, and avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked foods separate. Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces and utensils regularly.
• Personal Hygiene: If sick with norovirus symptoms, stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others. Avoid preparing food for others until you have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
• Disinfection: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including doorknobs, faucets, and countertops. Use an effective disinfectant that is proven to kill norovirus.
• Safe Water: Make sure your drinking water is safe and treated to eliminate any potential contamination.
• Education: Spread awareness about norovirus and its prevention among your family, friends, and community.

Food Industry Measures
For those working in the food industry, here are additional steps to prevent norovirus outbreaks:

• Employee Training: Train staff on proper food handling, hygiene, and sanitation practices. Emphasize the importance of handwashing and strict adherence to food safety protocols.
• Sick Employee Policies: Implement policies that encourage sick employees to stay home to prevent potential contamination of food and surfaces in the workplace.
• Proper Food Handling: Ensure all food handlers use gloves and appropriate utensils when handling ready-to-eat foods to prevent contamination.
• Cleaning and Sanitation: Develop a robust cleaning and sanitation schedule, paying close attention to high-touch surfaces, utensils, and food preparation areas.
• Outbreak Response: Have a plan for responding to suspected norovirus outbreaks, including reporting cases to local health authorities and taking necessary steps to prevent further spread.

How to clean and disinfect surfaces contaminated with norovirus
Norovirus is very resistant to disinfectants. You should use bleach to clean and disinfect surfaces contaminated with norovirus. Mix one part bleach with nine parts water. Apply the bleach solution to the contaminated surface and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, rinse the surface with clean water and dry it.

Conclusion
Norovirus is a common and highly contagious virus that can lead to foodborne illnesses and outbreaks. Understanding how norovirus spreads and taking preventive measures can help protect yourself and others from its harmful effects. Whether you're a concerned consumer or working in the food industry, practicing good hygiene, following food safety protocols, and raising awareness about norovirus are crucial steps in minimizing its impact on public health. Stay informed, stay safe, and help prevent the spread of norovirus in your community. Together, we can make our food supply safer for everyone. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to contact us at GoHACCP with Experts for guidance and support.

Gerardo Fernández, Ph.D.in Biology.
Science Consultant at GoHACCP, dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of food for consumers and manufacturers through scientific expertise and research.