norovirus

noun

nor·​o·​virus ˈnȯr-ə-ˌvī-rəs 

: any of a genus (Norovirus) of small, round, single-stranded RNA viruses that includes a single species (species Norwalk virus) with various strains causing gastroenteritis in people and animals (such as cows, pigs, and dogs)

People spread the virus by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth or having direct contact with another person who is infected.

—Cherie Black

Note: In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

see norwalk virus

Examples of norovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both sources indicate cases of norovirus is currently elevated in Wisconsin, which is expected this time of year, said Wisconsin Department of Health Services spokesperson Elizabeth Goodsitt. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024

What are the symptoms of a norovirus? Diarrhea, cramps and vomiting usually start within 12 to 48 hours of exposure to the virus, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 25 Feb. 2024

Multiple cruise lines are experiencing norovirus outbreaks. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 17 July 2023

Outbreaks of norovirus cases are on the rise in Wisconsin this spring. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024

Schindler said the hospital-grade technology can instantly detect, especially in hard to clean areas such as beneath fingernails and in and around jewelry and knuckles, gut biome molecules that can transmit norovirus, E. coli, salmonella, Hepatitis A, Listeria, and other common illnesses. —Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024

Today, norovirus is recognized as the leading cause of foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States. —Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

Are norovirus cases on the rise in California? Norovirus cases have been climbing in the California region since November, peaking in January, the CDC reported. —Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2024

After the bivalve was linked to dozens of norovirus cases in L.A. County, many have decided to stay away from raw oysters, Eater L.A. reported on Thursday. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from English Norwalk virus + New Latin -o- + virus

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

norovirus

noun

nor·​o·​virus ˌnȯr-ō-ˈvī-rəs 

1

capitalized : a genus of small, round, single-stranded, highly infectious RNA viruses that includes a single species (species Norwalk virus) with various strains causing gastroenteritis in people and animals (such as cows and dogs)

2

: any virus of the genus Norovirus

People spread the virus by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth or having direct contact with another person who is infected.

—Cherie Black, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Note: In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

see norwalk virus