Epidemiology
Formerly known as Norwalk Like Virus (NLV) and Small Round Structured
Virus (SRSV). The infection may be referred to as 'winter vomiting'.
It is highly infectious and outbreaks spread quickly around closed communities
such as hospitals, and nursing homes - especially in the winter - and
cruise ships and hotels - especially during the holiday season.
Spread is mainly through the faecal-oral route or aerosol from infected
vomit. Poor hand washing allows infection to pass directly from person-to-person
and indirectly from contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.
Foodborne transmission also occurs.
Main clinical features
Sudden onset of vomiting, watery diarrhoea and nausea lasting 12 to 60 hours. Occasional fever and 'flu-like' symptoms. Occasionally dehydration requires hospital treatment.
Incubation period
Usually 12 - 48 hours.
Surveillance
Voluntary laboratory reports and surveillance of general outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease.
Surveillance Tables
Last reviewed: 30 June 2009
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