Pal International is proud to launch our latest educational poster on Norovirus, now available on our website. Designed to support our partners and their customers, this resource aims to raise awareness, promote good hygiene practices, and support infection control across healthcare and public environments.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a non-enveloped virus and the leading global cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks causing intense vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration.
It’s extremely contagious and affects people of all ages, spreading quickly in settings such as hospitals, schools, care homes, and cruise ships.
The Global Impact of Norovirus
- 1 in 5 cases of gastroenteritis worldwide is caused by Norovirus.
- Responsible for 685 million infections and around 200,000 deaths globally each year.
- Causes an estimated $60 billion in healthcare costs and lost productivity annually.
- New strains emerge every 2 to 4 years, making it a persistent global challenge.
- The most common strain (GII.4) causes 50–70% of outbreaks worldwide.
In the United States alone:
- Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhoea, and foodborne illness.
- It causes 109,000 hospitalisations annually, with 50,000 child deaths worldwide, mostly in developing countries.
How is Norovirus Spread?
Norovirus spreads through:
- Contaminated food or drinks
- Touching infected surfaces
- Direct contact with an infected person
Only a very small amount of virus is needed to cause illness, and it can survive on surfaces for extended periods making surface disinfection crucial.
Symptoms of Norovirus Infection
Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure and may include:
- Sudden vomiting
- Watery diarrhoea
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Fever, chills, and body aches
- Fatigue
The illness typically lasts 1 to 3 days, but the impact can be more severe for:
- Young children
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
Recognising and Responding to Dehydration
Frequent vomiting and diarrhoea can cause rapid dehydration. Watch for these signs:
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth or throat
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Crying with few or no tears (in children)
- Unusual sleepiness or irritability
Prevention is Key
To help prevent the spread of Norovirus:
- Wash hands thoroughly and frequently
- Disinfect surfaces and high-touch areas regularly
- Avoid preparing food for others while sick or shortly after symptoms stop
- Isolate infected individuals to reduce transmission
The Medipal Advantage
Medipal Disinfectant Wipes have been tested to EN 14476 and proven to kill 99.99% of Norovirus within 60 seconds. Our products are trusted by healthcare professionals to maintain high hygiene standards and reduce the risk of infection spread.
