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NSW Public Health Bulletin archive

A large outbreak of Norovirus gastroenteritis linked to a catering company, New South Wales, October 2003 Volume 15 Issue 9-10

Barbara Telfer, Adam Capon, Tony Kolbe, Ian Hamilton, Tony Burns, Bridget Doyle, Jennie Musto, Jeremy McAnulty

New South Wales Public Health Bulletin 15(10) 168 - 171 Published: 2004

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About the author/s

Barbara Telfer

Adam Capon

Tony Kolbe

Ian Hamilton

Tony Burns

Bridget Doyle

Jennie Musto

Jeremy McAnulty

Abstract

Noroviruses (formerly known as Norwalk-like viruses) can
cause large outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease in
humans. Infection with norovirus is commonly
characterised by a sudden onset of diarrhoea and/or
vomiting, lethargy, headache, abdominal discomfort,
nausea, anorexia, and fever. Symptoms start about 12–36
hours after a person acquires the infection and usually
resolve within 72 hours. Most people recover with rest;
however, symptoms can sometimes be severe and require
treatment in hospital. Illness often results in working days
lost and other costs.