Request A Test understands the importance of timely and accurate information when it comes to managing infectious diseases.  Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug currently making its way across the country. According to the CDC, in the USA, norovirus outbreaks have nearly doubled this season, with 1,078 cases reported between August 2024 and January 2025, compared to 557 cases during the same period the previous year. We all can take preventative steps to stop outbreaks in our communities and reduce the overall impact of the disease.  Start by ordering a Norovirus stool test if you have reason to think you may be infected.

What Is Norovirus?

Many people think of norovirus as the “stomach flu,” but it has nothing to do with influenza.  Norovirus is an illness in your gut, and the flu is a respiratory infection. Norovirus is responsible for many gastrointestinal diseases worldwide, with millions of cases reported annually. Norovirus can cause significant discomfort and, in some cases, serious illness. Although norovirus can circulate year-round, it peaks during the colder winter months. 

Norovirus is most often associated with outbreaks in settings like schools, cruise ships, and healthcare facilities. The virus can be contracted from contaminated food, water, or surfaces or through close contact with an infected person. It can affect anyone, but it is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.

How Is Norovirus Spread?

Norovirus is notorious for its ability to spread quickly and easily. Symptoms develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure. You are most likely to infect others when you have symptoms or when you are in the first few days of recovery. Most people have probably spread it to multiple people by the time they learn that they have it.

Here are the most common ways norovirus is transmitted:

• Direct Contact: Handshakes, hugging, or other close personal contact with someone infected with norovirus can easily transmit the virus.
• Contaminated Food and Water: The CDC says norovirus causes 58% of all foodborne illnesses in the U.S. each year. It's typically found in contaminated leafy green vegetables (such as kale, spinach, and romaine lettuce), shellfish, and fresh fruit. It's often spread through food service facilities like restaurants.
• Surface Contamination: Norovirus can live on surfaces for days, so touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose can lead to infection.
• Aerosolized Particles: Infected individuals can expel the virus through vomiting or diarrhea. Tiny droplets of these particles can become airborne, contaminating the surrounding area and infecting others.

What are the Symptoms of Norovirus Infection?

Norovirus tends to hit hard and then fade quickly. The symptoms of a norovirus infection typically peak at 24 to 48 hours but can last up to 72 hours.

Common symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever and chills
• Headaches
• Muscle aches

Recovery typically occurs within 1-3 days, though symptoms can persist longer in severe cases, in the elderly, or in people with other health problems. While most individuals recover without the need for medical intervention, dehydration is a serious concern, especially in vulnerable groups. Stay hydrated by sipping on water, drinking clear broth, or using other oral rehydration solutions to replace your lost fluids. While your body is fighting off the infection, you should eat small, frequent meals and stick to bland foods that are easy on the stomach.

Why Is Testing for Norovirus Important?

Testing for norovirus is crucial for several reasons:

• Accurate Diagnosis: The symptoms of norovirus infection can often resemble other gastrointestinal illnesses, such as food poisoning or bacterial infections. Accurate diagnostic testing ensures that the cause is identified and proper treatment is administered.
• Public Health Control: In outbreaks, especially in places like nursing homes, schools, or cruise ships, early detection through testing can help control the spread of the virus. Identifying and isolating infected individuals helps prevent widespread outbreaks.
• Prevention of Further Spread: For individuals who are infected, early testing helps identify the illness so that effective hygiene measures can be implemented to limit the spread of the virus. This includes practices like frequent hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and isolating infected individuals.
• Ensuring Safe Food Handling: For the food service industry, routine testing of workers can help ensure that the virus doesn’t spread to customers. Testing can identify asymptomatic carriers who may unknowingly be spreading the virus.

How to Prevent Norovirus Infections

While norovirus is highly contagious, there are several preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk of infection:

• Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, handling food, or caring for someone who is ill.
• Disinfect Surfaces: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, doorknobs, and light switches, using a bleach-based cleaner.
• Avoid Contaminated Food and Water: Only consume food and beverages from trusted sources. Be cautious when eating raw shellfish, as it can be contaminated with the virus.
• Isolate Infected Individuals: If you or someone in your household has been infected, stay home from work or school, and avoid close contact with others until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.

If any surface you use becomes contaminated with poop or vomit, put on rubber gloves, wipe it up, then disinfect it with a chlorine bleach solution. The CDC recommends a concentration of five to 25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water.

How Do We Test for Norovirus?

Accurate diagnostic testing is a crucial tool in managing norovirus infections and preventing further transmission. The norovirus PCR stool test is used to detect norovirus infections by identifying viral RNA in stool samples.  Stool testing can identify norovirus or rule it out.  Request A Test offers the PCR Stool Test at both LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics locations. A positive test result for norovirus should be followed up with your doctor, especially if your symptoms persist for more than a few days.

Request A Test is is dedicated to facilitating high-quality, reliable testing services that help in the detection and management of norovirus. We partner with 2 of the largest certified lab companies in the USA to offer the PCR test in an effort to help keep communities safe and healthy.  We also offer a variety of other stool tests to aid in identifying a variety of gastrointestinal illnesses.

Why choose Request A Test?

• Affordable pricing
• Over 7,000 convenient nationwide locations
• Same-day testing and rapid results
• No doctor's order or insurance is required

If you suspect that you or your facility may have been exposed to norovirus, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for a PCR stool test. Early detection is key to effective management and preventing further spread.

Sources:

Norovirus | Norovirus | CDC

Norovirus: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Norovirus infection - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

Norovirus Myths You Should Stop Believing

DISCLAIMER: The medical information in this post is for informative purposes only

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