Norovirus causes food-related illnesses and is not to be mistaken as a respiratory illness because it does not spread through breathing or coughing. Norovirus spreads through contaminated food and surfaces. The norovirus strain, called GII.17 Kawasaki, began to show up in the United States in the beginning of 2015 with its first significant outbreak being reported the third week of December. Historically, the GII.17 Kawasaki strain caused many outbreaks in Asia in 2014.

Symptoms of norovirus can include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, and low-grade fever. Symptoms of influenza, which is a respiratory illness, can include high fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, and running nose.

Viruses can live on your skin and hands, however, regular and good hand washing techniques can help prevent the virus from spreading. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Hand washing can also be accompanied with a non-alcohol based sanitizer. Alcohol based sanitizers are not effective against norovirus. For surfaces, always disinfect surfaces with EPA approved disinfectants and be sure to understand the product instructions and application process. 64 Millennium Q, Microcide TB, and Century Q Wipes are effective against norovirus. Check out the Tip on using disinfectants blog for more information on how to use disinfectants.

Appropriate food handling is also necessary to help prevent this virus from spreading. Always wash your hands well before preparing food and do not handle food if you suspect that you have the virus.

For a listing of Multi-Clean liquid disinfectants or disinfecting wipes, please visit Multi-Clean’s Disinfectant webpage.