Norovirus

Norovirus (also know as winter vomiting disease or gastroenteritis) is usually self-limiting causing mild to moderate illness. This illness is often short-lived, lasting between 12 to 60 hours. However like food poisoning, it can be severe for those under the age of 5, over the age of 65 and those who are already unwell with existing health conditions.

It usually takes 24 to 48 hours to become unwell after coming into contact with the virus and causes sudden nausea, projectile vomit, watery diarrhoea and sometimes fever, headache and aches and pains.

Outbreaks of norovirus are commonly reported to the Food, Health and Safety Team, particularly in the winter, and is associated with places where large groups meet. For example, workplaces, schools, hospitals, hotels, residential and nursing homes.

There is no specific medical treatment, however medical organisations such as Public Health Wales recommend that you drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you have any medical concerns you are strongly advised to contact your G.P or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

In order to prevent you or your family catching or spreading this infectious virus, please see the preventing the spread of infectious disease leaflet which gives some helpful tips.

More information please visit the Public Health Wales website.