What is norovirus commonly misdiagnosed as?

Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in Minnesota. This infection is often mistakenly referred to as the “stomach flu”.

What virus is similar to norovirus?

Two common causes of viral gastroenteritis are rotavirus and norovirus. Adenovirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus are other viruses that can cause stomach problems but are less common than rotavirus and norovirus. Rotavirus is a virus that causes gastrointestinal symptoms, primarily in infants and young children.

What is the diagnostic test to confirm norovirus?

TaqMan-based RT-qPCR assays detect the RNA of the virus. They can be used to test stool, vomitus, food, water, and environmental specimens for norovirus. RT-qPCR assays are the preferred method to detect norovirus because they are very sensitive and specific. They can detect as few as 10 to 100 norovirus copies.

Are norovirus and gastroenteritis the same?

Noroviruses are members of a group of viruses called caliciviruses also known previously as “Norwalk-like viruses.” Norovirus affects the stomach and intestines, causing an illness called gastroenteritis.

How do you know if you have norovirus or rotavirus?

The primary differences between norovirus and rotavirus are based on who gets it, how long the infection typically lasts and the possible complications. The norovirus typically lasts no more than about two and a half days, while rotavirus generally lasts three to eight days.

What can be mistaken for stomach flu?

Gastroenteritis is often mistaken for stomach flu although it is actually an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, fever and chills. Most people recover with no treatment.

What’s the difference between gastroenteritis and norovirus?

What can mimic gastroenteritis?

In kids, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause some of the same symptoms as gastroenteritis:

• Stomach pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Fever.
• Irritability.

What are the differential diagnosis of food poisoning?

Diagnostic Considerations In most food-borne diseases (FBDs), the differential diagnosis includes infection by various toxins or pathogens that can cause the same presentation (eg, diarrhea vs bloody diarrhea). Large bowel enteritis (ie, dysentery) can mimic inflammatory bowel disease and intussusception.

What is the difference between stomach flu and norovirus?

You may hear norovirus illness be called “food poisoning,” “stomach flu,” or “stomach bug.” Noroviruses are the leading cause of foodborne illness, but other germs and chemicals can also cause foodborne illness. Norovirus illness is not related to the flu, which is caused by influenza virus.

How is a norovirus outbreak identified?

An outbreak of norovirus is defined as an occurrence of two or more similar illnesses resulting from a common exposure that is either suspected or laboratory-confirmed to be caused by norovirus.