Electrostatic surface map of the norovirus polymerase in complex with viral RNA (stick and tubes)Dharmesh Patel, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University

Electrostatic surface map of the norovirus polymerase in complex with viral RNA (stick and tubes)

Courtesy of D. Patel (Emory University)

 

 Norovirus (NoV) causes approximately 90% of epidemic non-bacterial outbreaks of gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomiting illness) in humans in the United States. Additionally, NoV is responsible for 50% of all food borne outbreaks of gastroenteritis in the United States (~19-21 million cases per year).

The Norovirus Foundation was established in 2016 with the goals of stimulating research to find treatments, vaccines and cures for human norovirus infection. No medications or vaccines are currently approved for NoV. The only available treatments are “supportive” consisting of rehydration to replace the loss of water and electrolytes caused by diarrhea and vomiting.

 

  • Causes

    Noroviruses are highly contagious. You can get norovirus from an infected person, from contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces.

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  • Symptoms

    Typical signs and symptoms of norovirus infection include

    • Acute-onset of vomiting

    • Watery, non-bloody diarrhea with abdominal cramps

    • Nausea

    • Low-grade fever

    • Headaches

    • Myalgias (body aches)

    • Muscle pain

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  • Treatment

    Currently, there is no specific therapy to treat people with gastroenteritis caused by norovirus infection. The Norovirus Foundation is working to find new treatments.

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