How is norovirus spread?
Norovirus is found in the stool and vomit of infected people. It is very contagious and usually spread person-to-person, or by contaminated food. People can become infected with the virus by: • Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus. • Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting their hands in their mouth. • Direct contact with a person who is infected and showing symptoms, such as caring for someone with the illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill. Norovirus can spread quickly in places with close living quarters, such as childcare centers, long-term care facilities, and cruise ships. People who work in these types of facilities should carefully follow steps to prevent the spread of infection when caring for children or residents who may have a norovirus infection. People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to, at least, 3 days after symptoms end.
