Norovirus and Identifying Exposure Risks

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People of all ages are susceptible to getting infected and sick with norovirus.
The agency also warns that one can get norovirus illness many times in their life because there are many different types of noroviruses. Infection with one type of norovirus may not protect an individual against other types. It is possible to develop protection against specific types. But, it is not known exactly how long protection lasts.
Norovirus is very contagious and spreads easily and quickly in different ways cautions the CDC. People can get norovirus by accidentally getting tiny particles of feces or vomit in their mouth from a person infected with norovirus. CDC shares that one can get norovirus by:
• Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, such as by caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
• Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting unwashed fingers in one’s mouth.
Fortunately, there are ways to test environmental samples for norovirus. This includes surface, water and wastewater testing. This form of testing can help to identify the source of an outbreak or help to assess the effectiveness of infection control efforts.
These are just a few of the many things to know about norovirus and potential exposure risks. To learn more about this or other infection control, indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark www.csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. www.emsl.com
LA Testing www.latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental www.zimmetry.com
CTSI www.ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine www.healthyindoors.com