DISEASE NAME:
Norovirus
CATEGORY:
Gastroenteric
Norovirus
Noroviruses are one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis (stomach bugs). In the past, noroviruses have also been called 'winter vomiting viruses', 'small round structured viruses' or 'Norwalk-like viruses'. They belong to a group of viruses called 'caliciviruses'.
Unseasonal increase in norovirus
Case definition
Noroviral infection (Norovirus)
Clinical criteria
Any person with vomiting (particularly if projectile) AND/OR diarrhoea
Laboratory criteria
At least one of the following four:
- Detection of norovirus in faeces by electron microscopy
- Detection of virus-specific RNA in faeces
- Detection of virus-specific antigen in faeces
- Detection of small round structured virus in faeces by electron microscopy
Epidemiological criteria
One of the following epidemiological links:
- Human to human transmission
- Exposure to a common source
Case classification
A. Possible case
NA
B. Probable case
Any person meeting the clinical criteria and with an epidemiological link to a confirmed case
C. Confirmed case
Any person meeting the laboratory criteria
Current as of: 22 January 2019
Information, Data and Reports for Norovirus
Ireland’s specialist service for the surveillance of communicable diseases.