Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Norovirus?
- How Long Does Norovirus Live on Surfaces?
- Factors that Affect Norovirus Survival
- How to Prevent Norovirus from Spreading on Surfaces
- Conclusion
Introduction
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. It is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the United States and is responsible for over 20 million cases of gastroenteritis each year. The virus is spread through contact with an infected person or contaminated food or water. It can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. This article will discuss how long norovirus can survive on surfaces and what factors can affect its survival.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a type of virus that causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is highly contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected person, contaminated food or water, or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of norovirus infection include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and low-grade fever.
How Long Does Norovirus Live on Surfaces?
Norovirus can survive on surfaces for up to 12 days. The virus is able to survive on hard surfaces, such as countertops and doorknobs, as well as soft surfaces, such as cloth and carpet. The virus can also survive on food, such as fruits and vegetables, for up to two weeks.
Factors that Affect Norovirus Survival
Several factors can affect how long norovirus can survive on surfaces. These include the type of surface, the temperature of the surface, and the amount of humidity present. For example, norovirus can survive longer on hard surfaces than on soft surfaces. It can also survive longer in warm, humid environments than in cool, dry environments.
How to Prevent Norovirus from Spreading on Surfaces
The best way to prevent norovirus from spreading on surfaces is to practice good hygiene. This includes washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, after using the bathroom, and after touching surfaces that may be contaminated. It is also important to clean and disinfect surfaces that may have been contaminated with norovirus.
Conclusion
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. It can survive on surfaces for up to 12 days and is able to survive on both hard and soft surfaces. Several factors can affect how long norovirus can survive on surfaces, including the type of surface, the temperature of the surface, and the amount of humidity present. The best way to prevent norovirus from spreading on surfaces is to practice good hygiene and to clean and disinfect surfaces that may have been contaminated.
Sources:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Norovirus. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html
2. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Norovirus. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/norovirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20371719