Definition of norovirus
: 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 ◆In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps. — see norwalk virus
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of norovirus from the Web
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An E. coli scare drew much of the attention, but norovirus also sickened more than 140 students at a location near Boston College in December of that year.
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An E. coli scare drew much of the attention, but norovirus also sickened more than 140 students at a location near Boston College in December of that year.
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In that study, the mice exposed to norovirus showed a heightened allergic response to egg proteins.
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To find out, the researchers turned to biopsies from 14 children and two adults who received intestinal transplants and later developed infections with norovirus, a common gut pathogen.
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The norovirus outbreak gripping Yolo County schools has ended, according to county health officials.
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WILLOUGHBY, Ohio--Tests have confirmed norovirus among diners at Kirtland Country Club during Mother's Day weekend.
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When there’s a norovirus outbreak – a stomach bug –
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A preschool and adult living skills program in Davis will be closed Friday as Yolo County continues to battle the rapid spread of norovirus, an illness that triggers vomiting and diarrhea, officials said Thursday.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'norovirus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of norovirus
New Latin, from English Norwalk virus + New Latin -o- + virus
Medical Dictionary
norovirus
playMedical Definition of norovirus
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, 29 Dec. 2006 ◆In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps. —see norwalk virus
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