How Would I Catch a Norwalk Infection?
People become infected by the Norwalk virus by swallowing food or water that has been contaminated with stool from an infected person. This may be a lot simpler than it sounds. For example, an infected person may inadvertently deposit the virus on a washroom door knob. The next person to use the washroom may wash their hands, but pick up the virus while exiting the bathroom. He or she then returns to the office and takes a candy from the receptionist’s desk. During this process, the virus is deposited on several wrapped candies, which are later taken by other workers. (Now imagine the same scenario played out with finger foods at a daycare Christmas party.)

Many outbreaks of the virus result from eating raw shellfish, especially oysters and clams. Shellfish become contaminated after being handled by sick food handlers or from raw sewage dumped overboard by boaters. Contaminated water, ice, eggs, salad ingredients, and prepared foods are other sources of infection. (While heating foods kills the virus, food handlers who prepare ready-made foods may transmit the live virus to cooked foods.) You can contract the Norwalk virus throughout the year, but outbreaks are more common in the winter.

Who Is Likely to Become Infected?
Anyone can be affected by the Norwalk virus but older adults and children are more vulnerable to infection. Outbreaks generally occur where people congregate in close quarters for extended periods.

What Are The Symptoms?
People who have caught the Norwalk virus or a Norwalk-like virus typically experience nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Sometimes, a low-grade fever will also be present. These symptoms usually last between 24 and 72 hours and start one to two days after contact with contaminated foods or water.

There are usually no serious or long-term health effects associated with the virus, and hospitalization is rarely required.

How Can I Protect Myself and My Family?
Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses can best be prevented by washing the hands thoroughly after using the washroom and before preparing or eating food. Always use a paper towel over the doorknob when exiting a washroom.

Cook all shellfish thoroughly before eating, wash raw vegetables and salad greens before preparation.

If you believe you have the virus, you should stay away from work, until you have been symptom-free for 48 hours. Whenever possible, notify a health official at your place of business of your condition.

What Should I Do If I Have the Virus?
If you or a family member has contracted the Norwalk virus, there is nothing much you can do except wait it out. Since the virus causes diarrhea and vomiting, you should avoid becoming dehydrated by taking an oral rehydration formula. You may also benefit from an anti-nauseant to help control vomiting. (You can find oral electrolyte solutions and anti-nauseants in the pharmacy department at London Drugs.)

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