Find out how viral gastroenteritis and Norovirus is spread.
Norovirus is highly infectious and can be spread in the following ways:
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Person-to-person contact (for instance when the virus is on people’s hands).
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Swallowing contaminated food or drink
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Vomiting, which sends viruses into the air as a fine mist, which may settle on people or food in the same room or personal space.
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It can also be spread when food or drink has been handled and contaminated by an infected person, and this is then consumed by another person.
The ill person is commonly infectious until about 48 hours after the illness has subsided. They should therefore be off school or work for this period, to avoid spreading the disease.
People Working in Higher Risk Locations
Persons with viral gastroenteritis who work in higher risk locations must not return to work until 48 hours after they have become well with no symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting.
Higher risk locations include:
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