public health enemy
Norovirus
PUBLIC HEALTH ENEMY
NOROVIRUS
ALIAS: “Cruise ship virus, stomach flu”
DESCRIPTION
Date Discovered: 1972
Type: Non-enveloped Virus
Family: Caliciviridae
Associates: Humans
Area of Attack: Gastrointestinal tract
Known Hideouts: Fecal matter and vomit
Modus Operandi: Invades intestinal cells and multiplies quickly leading to massive diarrhea and vomiting.
CAUTION
Infection happens quickly and may affect the victim within six hours. Although not usually lethal, may cause severe dehydration. Stays inside the body for at least a week even after symptoms have subsided.
SURVIVAL TIME:
30 days
PREVENTION
- Handwashing
- Disinfection