There is no vaccine and no specific treatment for norovirus, which is highly contagious and spreads via the
fecal/oral route. Individuals may be infectious prior to illness onset and for two weeks or more following
recovery. However, the highest risk of spread is associated with vomiting events and while the individual is
experiencing diarrhea.
Individual cases of norovirus are not reportable in Iowa but, local public health partners do investigate outbreak
reports to interrupt further spread by providing setting-specific guidance and norovirus-specific cleaning
recommendations.
Proper hand hygiene and staying home while sick are always key prevention steps against many
gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses.
For more information about norovirus, visit https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html