Norwalk virus causes viral gastroenteritis, which is also known as acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis, food poisoning, food infection, stomach flu, and winter vomiting disease. A Norwalk virus infection results in illness 24 to 48 hours after exposure, and symptoms last from 12-48 hours. Illness is characterized by the abrupt onset of vomiting and/or non-bloody diarrhea; abdominal cramps are common. 25-50% of patients report headache, nausea, malaise, myalgias and low-grade fever.

Noroviruses are only capable of infecting humans. Outbreaks of Norwalk virus frequently occur in institutional settings such as schools and nursing homes, where infection is passed person to person. They also occur in group settings such as banquet halls, cruise ships, dormitories, and campgrounds, where outbreak sources are usually contaminated food and/or water. See similar questions...

Norwalk virus is a common cause of vomiting and diarreal illness each winter and has often been referred to as "stomach flu" or "Winter Vomiting Disease". Norwalk virus infections have been linked to outbreaks of vomiting and/or diarrhea in institutions such as child-care centres and long term care facilities as well as on cruise ships, camps, schools and households. See similar questions...

Norwalk and Noroviruses are transmitted primarily by the fecal-oral route. Having direct contact with vomit or feces from an infected person and then transferring the virus to the mouth from the hands primarily spreads the viruses. Secondary person-to-person transmission through sharing food, water, and/or utensils, or contact with the contaminated environment is also possible. See similar questions...

The usual symptoms are fever, chills, sore throat, cough, sneezing, runny nose, headache, weakness, loss of appetite, and/or muscle aches and pains. People with influenza can be bedridden for a week or longer. See similar questions...

Everyone! The virus does not discriminate. The symptoms of Norwalk virus infection may be more severe for older individuals, young children and those with underlying medical conditions who may become dehydrated due to the vomiting and diarrhea. See similar questions...

The symptoms include itchy rash, mild fever and other systemic symptoms. The rash may begin as smooth, red spots then develop into blisters by the third to fourth day. The disease is often more severe in adolescents, adults and individuals with compromised immune systems. See similar questions...

Symptoms of hepatitis A infection include fatigue, general malaise, loss of appetite, fever, chills, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and jaundice (yellow eyes, dark urine) The incubation period of hepA varies from 15 to 50 days, with an average of 28 days (source: CDC). Symptoms usually last for 2 to 20 days. Young children often display no symptoms when infected with hepA, but can still spread the disease to others. See similar questions...

Cutaneous anthrax: Most (about 95%) of anthrax infections occur when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, such as when handling contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat hair) of infected animals. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then a painless ulcer, usually 1-3 cm in diameter, with a characteristic black necrotic (dying) area in the center. See similar questions...

If you have stress incontinence, you may leak a small to medium amount of urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, exercise, or do similar things. If you have urge incontinence, you may feel a sudden urge to urinate and the need to urinate often. With this type of bladder control problem, you may leak a larger amount of urine that can soak your clothes or run down your legs. See similar questions...