Norovirus is the most common cause of gastrointestinal (GI) distress in America. It can spread quickly from person to person and is responsible for 58% of all foodborne illnesses.

More than 20 million people are affected each year. Infants and young children are among those at high-risk to catch the virus and possibly suffer severe illness.

Symptoms include uncontrolled diarrhea and/or vomiting, dehydration and weakness. Dehydration is very dangerous for the young, elderly and immunocompromised populations.

One of the most common pathways for someone to become infected is fecal to oral transmission. This is why handwashing, for both adults and children, along with proper disinfection are so important to preventing illness in a childcare facility.

Washing hands frequently and thoroughly is one of the best defenses against catching and spreading Norovirus.