Mayo Clinic Health Manager
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Get StartedSymptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of norovirus infection include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Watery or loose diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Malaise
- Low-grade fever
The incubation period for norovirus infection is usually 24 to 48 hours after first exposure to the virus, and signs and symptoms usually last one to three days. You may continue to shed virus in your feces for up to three days after recovery. Some people with norovirus infection may show no signs or symptoms. However, they are still contagious and may unwittingly spread the virus to others.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention if you develop diarrhea that doesn't clear within several days. Also call your doctor if you experience severe vomiting, bloody stools, abdominal pain or dehydration.
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- Kapikian AZ. Rotaviruses, noroviruses and other gastrointestinal viruses. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/117938057-3/796394142/1492/1345.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50408-0--cesec17_16866. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
- Treanor JJ. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of noroviruses, astroviruses and sapoviruses. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
- Managing acute gastroenteritis among children: Oral rehydration, maintenance and nutritional therapy. Atlanta, Ga. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=4362&nbr=003287&string=dehydration. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
- Norovirus: Q&A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/Ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/downloads/norovirus-faqs.pdf. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.