Prevention

Norovirus infection is highly contagious, and anyone can become infected more than once. To help prevent its spread:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper.
• Avoid contaminated food and water, including food that could have been prepared by someone who was sick.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
• Cook seafood thoroughly.
• Dispose of vomit and fecal matter carefully to avoid spreading norovirus by air. Soak up material with disposable towels, disturbing it as little as possible, and place it in plastic disposable bags.
• Disinfect surfaces that might have been contaminated. Use a chlorine bleach solution and wear gloves.
• Stay home from work, especially if your job involves handling food. You might be contagious for as long as three days after your symptoms end. Children should stay home from school or child care.
• Avoid traveling until your signs and symptoms are gone.