Health Care Provider Information on Norovirus
on this page:
Required Disease Reporting
Clinical Features
Laboratory Diagnosis
Treatment
Outbreak Prevention and Control
Required Disease Reporting
- Norovirus is not reportable to the Minnesota Department of Health.
- However, persons ill with norovirus are subject to restriction
on daycare attendance and food handling.
Clinical Features
- Norovirus:
Technical Fact Sheet
CDC; Includes information about clinical features, transmission, trends, and more. Attention: Non-MDH link
Laboratory Diagnosis
- In the last 10 years, diagnosis of norovirus illness in outbreaks has improved with the increasing use of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Currently, 27 state public health laboratories (including the MDH Public Halth Laboratory) have the capability to test for noroviruses by RT-PCR. RT-PCR can be used to test stool and emesis samples. Identification of the virus can be best made from stool specimens taken within 48 to 72 hours after onset of symptoms, although good results can be obtained by using RT-PCR on samples taken as long as 5 days after symptom onset. Virus can sometimes be found in stool samples taken as late as 2 weeks after recovery.
- Testing at MDH is reserved for outbreak investigations; routine clinical testing is not available at MDH.
Treatment
- No specific therapy exists for viral gastroenteritis. Symptomatic
therapy consists of replacing fluid losses and correcting electrolyte
disturbances through oral and intravenous fluid administration.
Outbreak Prevention and Control
- Norovirus in Healthcare Settings –Prevention and Management of Outbreaks (PDF: 2MB/91 slides)
Presentation at 2008 ACIP conference on the prevention and management of norovirus in healthcare settings.
Do you suspect that you have a foodborne illness? Visit reporting suspected foodborne illnesses.
Spotlight
Chicks and Ducklings: Salmonella
Those cute little chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children this time of year, but they can also be a source of illness.
Protect others if you are experiencing diarrhea!
Anyone with a diarrheal illness should avoid swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing baths with others, and preparing food for others.
Young children (children in diapers) that are experiencing diarrhea should not be allowed to go swimming or attend daycare.
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.
