Norovirus

Question 1

Type of virus

Answer 1

range of non encapsulated RNA virus species

Question 2

How soon do symptoms come on following infection?

Answer 2

15 - 50 hours of infection

Question 3

Main symptoms

Answer 3

• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhoea
• headaches
• low-grade fevers
• myalgia

Question 4

Mode of transmission

Answer 4

Faecal-oral route
- virus becoming aerosolized when patient vomits or when toilet is flushed
- particles land on surfaces and others can pick up infection

Direct physical contact
Contact with food preparation.

Question 5

Where does norovirus replicate?

Answer 5

• virus enters the cell via host receptor-mediated endocytosis
• replicates in the small intestine.

Question 6

How many viral particles are needed to cause norovirus infection?

Answer 6

only 10 - 100 viral particles

Question 7

Alcohol hand gel does not reduce transmission. TRUE/FALSE?

Answer 7

TRUE
- needs to be proper handwashing

Question 8

Investigations for diagnosis of norovirus

Answer 8

• stool culture viral PCR

Question 9

How to differentiate between nororvirus and other causes of gastroenteritis

Answer 9

Salmonella - bloody diarrhoea and high fever.

Rotavirus - predominantly affects children <5y

E. coli - Longer incubation period, severe abdominal cramping + bloody diarrhoea.

Question 10

Management of norovirus

Answer 10

supportive
fluids
electrolyte replacement