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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of norovirus infection include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Watery or loose diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Malaise
- Low-grade fever
The incubation period for norovirus infection is usually 24 to 48 hours after first exposure to the virus, and signs and symptoms usually last one to three days. You may continue to shed virus in your feces for up to three days after recovery. Some people with norovirus infection may show no signs or symptoms. However, they are still contagious and may unwittingly spread the virus to others.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention if you develop diarrhea that doesn't go away within several days. Also call your doctor if you experience severe vomiting, bloody stools, abdominal pain or dehydration.
- Norovirus: Technical fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-factsheet.htm. Accessed Feb. 21, 2011.
- Kapikian AZ. Rotaviruses, noroviruses and other gastrointestinal viruses. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Feb 21, 2011.
- Treanor JJ. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of noroviruses, astroviruses and sapoviruses. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 21, 2011.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, et al. Managing acute gastroenteritis among children: Oral rehydration, maintenance, and nutritional therapy. MMWR. 2003;52:1. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5216a1.htm. Accessed Feb. 23, 2011.
- Norovirus illness: Key facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-keyfacts.htm. Accessed Feb. 22, 2011.
- Canavan A, et al. Diagnosis and management of dehydration in children. American Family Physician. 2009;80:692.
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