From the Guidelines
Norovirus testing should be performed through stool sample analysis using TaqMan-based real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) for diagnosis, as recommended by the CDC 1. When suspecting norovirus infection, it is essential to contact a healthcare provider who can order the appropriate test. Key points to consider include:
- Norovirus testing is typically reserved for outbreak investigations or vulnerable patients, such as the elderly or immunocompromised individuals 1.
- Most people do not require testing since norovirus is usually self-limiting, with symptoms resolving within 1-3 days.
- While waiting for results or recovering, it is crucial to focus on staying hydrated with clear fluids like water, diluted sports drinks, or oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
- There is no specific antiviral treatment for norovirus, so management focuses on symptom relief and preventing dehydration. To prevent spreading the virus, it is essential to:
- Practice thorough handwashing with soap and water, as hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus 1.
- Disinfect contaminated surfaces with bleach-based cleaners, using a concentration of 1,000–5,000 ppm (1:50–1:10 dilution of household bleach [5.25%]) or other EPA-approved disinfectant 1.
- Avoid preparing food for others while sick and for at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve, and exclude ill staff in certain positions until 48–72 hours after symptom resolution 1.
From the Research
Norovirus Test
- Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, and its diagnosis is crucial for outbreak investigation and disease management 2.
- The virus is not cultivable, and its highly diversified and variable genome makes it challenging to develop diagnostic assays 2.
- Various detection methods have been developed, including electron microscopy, conventional end-point reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunoassay, real-time RT-PCR, and nanotechnology array-based assays 2.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Rapid and accurate identification of norovirus is critical for outbreak investigation, disease surveillance, and management 2.
- Ondansetron, a serotonin receptor antagonist, has been shown to reduce rotavirus- and norovirus-induced vomiting and diarrhea in children, facilitating oral rehydration and possibly accelerating recovery 3.
- Oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, Gatorade, and New Oral Rehydration Solution (N-ORS), are effective in correcting dehydration and improving bowel symptoms in adults with viral gastroenteritis 4.
Epidemiology and Prevention
- Norovirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis across all age groups, responsible for around 200,000 deaths annually, and outbreaks are common in small communities such as educational and care facilities 5.
- The virus is transmitted via the faecal-oral route, and infection can result in asymptomatic cases or gastrointestinal disease 5.
- Prompt implementation of infection control measures, such as hand washing, remains the mainstay of norovirus outbreak management 6.