Focus on two foodborne viruses
According to CDC, each year viruses make up more than half of foodborne illnesses. Norovirus and hepatitis A are the two most common viruses that cause foodborne illness.
Norovirus
Norovirus is a virus that causes the "stomach flu," or vomiting and diarrhea, in people. Noroviruses are very contagious and spread easily from person to person. The virus is found in the stool and vomit of infected people.
People can become infected in several ways, including eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated by infected food handlers, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth before handwashing, or having direct contact with another person who is infected and then touching their mouth before handwashing.
Outbreaks also have occurred from eating undercooked oysters harvested from contaminated waters - cooking kills the virus. Drinking water contaminated by sewage can also be a source of these viruses. Persons working in day-care centers or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have norovirus illness. This virus can spread quickly in these places.
People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days after recovery. Some people may be contagious for as long as 2 weeks after recovery. Therefore, good handwashing is important. Persons infected with norovirus should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover. Infected people do not become long-term carriers of norovirus.
You can decrease your chance of coming in contact with noroviruses by:
- Frequent handwashing with warm water and soap
- Promptly disinfecting contaminated surfaces with household chlorine bleach-based cleaners
- Washing soiled clothing and linens
- Avoiding food or water from sources that may be contaminated
- Cooking oysters completely to kill the virus
Additional Information
- Norovirus Q & A
- Foodborne Diseases: Norovirus Infection (NIAID)
- Norovirus (Department of Health, Virginia)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A (formerly known as infectious hepatitis) is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The disease is fairly common.
The hepatitis A virus enters through the mouth, multiplies in the body, and is passed in the feces (stool). The virus can then be carried on an infected person's hands and can be spread by direct contact, or by consuming food or drink that has been handled by the individual. In some cases, it can be spread by sexual contact or by consuming water or food ( e.g., raw shellfish, vegetables) contaminated by sewage.
The single most effective way to prevent spread is careful hand washing after using the toilet, changing diapers, or before eating or preparing food. Avoid eating raw shellfish taken from potentially contaminated waters. Also, infected people should not handle foods during the contagious period.
Additional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions about Hepatitis A (CDC)
- Hepititis A (Department of Health, Virginia)