Norovirus

Norovirus is a highly contagious infection and the most common stomach bug in the UK. Known as the winter vomiting bug, people usually become ill after close contact with a person carrying the virus. But did you know you can also catch it from eating contaminated foods?

Norovirus can be found in:

• salad leaves
• salad vegetables 
• soft berries
• shellfish

Anyone can become ill with norovirus but there is a higher rate of illness in vulnerable people such as young children, those with weakened immune systems and older people. 

Symptoms of norovirus include:

• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• high temperature
• nausea 
• occasionally flu-like symptoms

Symptoms typically last for two days for mild symptoms. There are around 2,000 reported norovirus cases per year in Scotland.

To help reduce the risk of catching norovirus:

• avoid spreading germs – make sure hands are cleaned with soap and hot water frequently
• clean kitchen surfaces before and after preparing food and avoid cross-contamination, when preparing and storing food
• avoid cross-contamination - keep raw and ready-to-eat food separate during storage and preparation
• to prevent the virus spreading, anyone who displays symptoms should stay off work or school and, if you can, avoid preparing food until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped
• always wash fruit, vegetables and salad thoroughly