What is the norovirus?

Norovirus, sometimes known as the stomach flu, is an extremely contagious virus that can cause inflammation of the intestines. It is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide, and the WHO estimates that approximately 15 million people in Europe are infected yearly.

Outbreaks of norovirus are particularly common in hospitals and health care settings. While the disease is not serious in itself, it can have serious consequences for those affected, especially in vulnerable care settings. There is no cure for the norovirus, but it can be prevented and limited through infection prevention procedures and strict hygiene measures.

The norovirus occurs throughout the year, but peaks during the winter months, with symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.