Norovirus Illness is Messy – Clean Up Right Away
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When norovirus strikes in your own home, you can be prepared by having the supplies you need to immediately clean up after a loved one vomits or has diarrhea.
Norovirus is a tiny germ that spreads quickly and easily. It causes vomiting and diarrhea that come on suddenly. A very small amount of norovirus can make you sick. The number of virus particles that fit on the head of a pin is enough to infect over 1,000 people.
You can get norovirus if poop or vomit from an infected person gets into your mouth. You can get it by:
- Caring for a person who is infected with norovirus and then touching your hands to your mouth
- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus
- Touching surfaces or objects with norovirus on them and then putting your hands in your mouth
Clean up the splatter!
Vomiting and diarrhea are messy, especially with norovirus. If you get sick from norovirus, drops of vomit or poop might splatter for many feet in all directions.
It’s extremely important to clean up the entire area immediately after you or someone else vomits or has diarrhea. You must be very thorough so you don’t miss any drops of vomit or poop that you can’t see.
If you find yourself in this situation, follow these steps from start to finish to protect other people from getting sick with norovirus:
Step 1 – Put on disposable plastic gloves and a face mask
Step 2 – Wipe up vomit and poop with paper towels and throw them away
Step 3 – Clean all surfaces thoroughly with a bleach cleaner, or make your own solution (¾ cup of bleach plus 1 gallon of water)
Step 4 – Clean all surfaces again with hot water and soap
Step 5 – Remove your gloves, throw them away, and take out the trash
Step 6 – Wash all laundry that may have vomit or poop on them with hot water and soap
Step 7 – Wash your hands with soap and water
Thorough clean up helps prevent norovirus outbreaks
Cleaning-up immediately after someone with norovirus vomits or has diarrhea protects others from getting sick, and prevents norovirus outbreaks. It’s important for everyone to know the clean-up steps and other ways to prevent norovirus.
CDC and state and local health departments help to raise awareness among healthcare providers and the general public about norovirus and how to prevent it. Learn more about how health departments, CDC, and other agencies work to prevent and stop norovirus outbreaks.
To learn more about norovirus, see CDC’s norovirus website and infographics, videos, and other resources, and state and local health department websites.
9 comments on “Norovirus Illness is Messy – Clean Up Right Away”
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When will a vaccine to this awful virus be available?
grate Article Your information is very informative
This is a great article! I had the norovirus this time last year and it was horrible to say the least. Our hospital had a break out of the norovirus and many patients and healthcare workers were affected. I can say that this article is completely accurate when it comes to how to take care of your home once a person has been exposed to the norovirus. This virus can strike with moments notice and its important to be prepared to properly clean your home. I am glad that there are resources on the internet that can help someone deal with the after effect of this virus.
I came down with the Norovirus the past 2 days. It was horrible. Felt like dying.
Throwing up and diarrhea.
Had to call my son to take me to the hospital. Got IV fluids and IV nausea.
No mention of getting new toothbrushes or whether or not bedding should be washed
Will diluted vinegar suffice to kill the virus germs?
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Thanks for your comment on this Public Health Matters post. If you have a question for CDC, please contact CDC-INFO (https://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html). Operators are available by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics. The phone number is 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).
Thank you for providing such information. This is very generous of you providing such vital information which is very informative.