Norovirus (NoV)

Family: Caliciviridae; Genus: Norovirus; Species: Norwalk. There are six genogroups (G). Single stranded RNA virus; Non-enveloped, 27-32 nm virion

Human norovirus cannot be cultured in vitro. Surrogate viruses that can be maintained in vitro: coliphage MS2, murine norovirus (MNV) and feline calicivirus (FCV). 

GI, GII & GIV: human; GIII: bovine; GV: mice

Norovirus must enter the digestive track in order to initiate infection. Frequent routes include: fecal-oral, contaminated food or water, person-to-person, contaminated fomites or body fluids, and aerosolized contaminated particles.

After exposure: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain; symptoms may last for 24-72h. Usually it is self-limiting

18 to 103 virus particles

Incubation 12-48 h

Hand washing with soap and water, limiting contact with contaminated food, water, surfaces or body fluids. Note: Alcohol-based hand disinfectants are not effective

None

No specific therapy other than electrolyte and fluid replacement.

Monitor for symptoms; confirm by detection of viral RNA.

Report all exposures.

None

Contaminated food, water, fomites, aerosol and body fluids (vomit and stool). Shedding of virus in stool occur before symptoms appear, during clinical symptoms and during recovery.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets 

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories  

Norovirus Information  

BSL-2 practices and containment equipment for all activities involving the virus or any infectious or potentially infectious body fluids or tissues

Notify others working in the lab. Allow aerosols to settle. Don appropriate PPE. Cover area of the spill with paper towels and apply an EPA registered disinfectant with a label claim for norovirus,, working from the perimeter towards the center. Allow 30 minutes of contact time before disposal and cleanup of spill materials.

Contact Emory’s Biosafety Officer (404-727-8863),
the EHSO Office (404-727-5922), or
The Spill Response Team (404-727-2888).

Flush eyes, mouth or nose for 15 minutes at eyewash station.

Contaminated surfaces: allow aerosols to settle; wearing protective clothing, gently cover the spill with absorbent paper towel and apply 1% sodium hypochlorite starting at the perimeter and working towards the middle; allow sufficient contact time (30 min) before clean up. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing gloves. Alcohol based hand disinfectants are NOT effective.

Immediately report incident to supervisor, complete an employee incident report in PeopleSoft.

7am-4pm (OIM): EUH (404-686-7941) EUHM (404-686-7106) WW (404-728-6431)

After Hours: OIM NP On Call 404-686-5500 PIC# 50464

Needle Stick (OIM): EUH (404-686-8587) EUHM (404-686-2352)

Yerkes: Maureen Thompson Office (404-727-8012) Cell (404-275-0963)

1000–5000 ppm of chlorine bleach; any other EPA registered disinfectant with a label claim for Norovirus

Steam sterilization, chemical disinfection, incineration

Highly stable, at least 61 days

At minimum, personnel are required to don gloves, closed toed shoes, lab coat, and appropriate face and eye protection prior to working with Norovirus. Additional PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs.

None