Norovirus
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that can cause infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is spread by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated by very small amounts of vomit or faeces from infected people. It can also be spread via direct contact with an infected person or via contaminated surfaces.
Norovirus is also called ‘Norwalk virus’, ‘winter diarrhoea’, and ‘stomach flu’, even though it can happen any time of the year.
It often causes outbreaks in places where many people are close together, like nursing homes, schools, and cruise ships.
Information for health professionals
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Document | Norovirus and suspected viral gastroenteritis – CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care |
| Document | Norovirus fact sheet | NT Health |
Information for the public
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Webpage | Norovirus infection | Health direct |
Exclusion periods for schools and daycares
There is a minimum period of exclusion from school, pre-school or childcare for children or educators with this infectious disease.
Get a copy of the time out minimum periods of exclusion.
Contact
Contact the Public Health Unit’s Centre for Disease Control.
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