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Norovirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis, or what we commonly think of as stomach flu symptoms. It causes 23 million cases of gastroenteritis per year, or over half of all gastroenteritis cases in the U.S., and is the second most common virus after the common cold.

Norovirus is usually transmitted from the feces to the mouth, either by drinking contaminated food or water or by passing from person to person. Because noroviruses are easily transmitted, are resistant to common disinfectants, and are hard to contain using normal sanitary measures, they can cause extended outbreaks.


The norovirus incubation period tends to be 24 to 48 hours, after which symptoms begin to appear. An infection normally lasts only 24 to 60 hours. However, in some cases, dehydration, malnutrition, and even death can occur. These complications are more likely among children, older people, and patients in hospitals and nursing homes with weakened immune systems. Common symptoms include:


Norovirus usually takes its course and goes away on its own after one to three days. It is hard to diagnose using samples in a lab, and so is usually diagnosed based on the combination of common symptoms, including mild fever, vomiting, and short duration of illness.


There is no specific treatment for norovirus. However, it is essential to replenish fluids and minerals, as these are depleted with diarrhea.


The good news is that norovirus does not multiply on food, since it is a virus and not a bacterium. There is no way to tell whether foods – like shellfish, which are often eaten raw – are contaminated with norovirus. The only way to assure you don’t get norovirus from foods like shellfish is to cook them thoroughly. Here are other norovirus prevention methods:


About-Norovirus.com is a comprehensive site with in-depth information about norovirus infection.

Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Norovirus outbreaks. The Norovirus lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Norovirus and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $600 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Norovirus lawyers have litigated Norovirus cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a number of food products and restaurants.

If you or a family member became ill with Norovirus after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Norovirus attorneys for a free case evaluation.







