Norovirus
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
Guidance
National Guidelines On The Management Of Outbreaks Of Norovirus Infection In Healthcare Settings (2003) *** UNDER REVIEW - DECEMBER 2023***
This Guidance document was originally published in 2003. It has been fully reviewed (December 2023) and is fit for purpose, when used in conjunction with the NCEC’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) National Clinical Guideline No. 30 - Volume 1.
01, Jan 2003
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Interim Guidance Note on Managing Norovirus in Residential Care Settings
This Guidance note provides a high-level overview of managing norovirus in residential care facilities, but its principles can be applied to any acute or community healthcare setting.
07, Nov 2023
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Guidance on the Management of Outbreaks of Noroviral Infection in Tourist and Leisure Industry Settings (2007)
This Guidance was produced by the Viral Gastroenteritis Sub-Committee of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre for use by leisure industry staff to assist them in managing the risks posed by NoV infection. Originally produced in 2007, this document was fully reviewed in 2017 and found to be current and up to date. Review date - November 2017
142.38 KB
Advice Note on Norovirus (‘Winter Vomiting Bug’) for Residents in Reception Centres [ENGLISH]
20, Apr 2022
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Epi-Insight Articles
Norovirus upsurge - Epi-Insight, Volume 18, Issue 1, February 2017
HPSC outlines latest norovirus trends - Epi-Insight, Volume 14, Issue 2, February 2013
Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Ireland, 2004 - Epi-Insight, Volume 7, Issue 4, April 2006
Gastrointestinal illness among Holidaymakers - Epi-Insight, Volume 3, Issue 5, May 2002
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.