How long can norovirus last
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Duration of Norovirus Infection: Insights from Recent Research
Acute Norovirus Infection Duration
Keywords: acute norovirus infection, self-limiting, gastroenteritis duration
Norovirus, a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis, typically results in symptoms that are self-limiting and last between 24 to 48 hours in healthy individuals 39. The clinical symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, generally resolve within 1 to 3 days . This short duration is characteristic of norovirus infections in immunocompetent hosts, where the body's immune system effectively clears the virus .
Chronic Norovirus Infection in Immunocompromised Hosts
Keywords: chronic norovirus infection, immunocompromised hosts, prolonged shedding
In contrast, immunocompromised individuals can experience chronic norovirus infections that persist for significantly longer periods. Studies have documented cases where norovirus infections in these patients lasted from several weeks to multiple years 178. For instance, chronic infections in pediatric immunocompromised hosts have been observed to last from 37 to over 418 days, with continuous shedding of infectious virus . Similarly, solid organ transplant recipients have shown prolonged shedding periods with a median duration of 218 days, ranging from 32 to 1164 days .
Norovirus Persistence in Environmental Reservoirs
Keywords: norovirus persistence, environmental reservoirs, groundwater infectivity
Norovirus can also persist in environmental reservoirs, such as water, for extended periods. Research has demonstrated that Norwalk virus, a prototype human norovirus, can remain infectious in groundwater for at least 61 days and detectable for over three years . This persistence in the environment underscores the potential for ongoing transmission and the importance of effective water treatment and sanitation measures.
Viral Shedding Duration in Different Populations
Keywords: viral shedding, aged-care settings, post-symptomatic shedding
The duration of viral shedding can vary based on the population and setting. In aged-care facilities, norovirus shedding has been observed to continue for an average of 28.7 days during outbreaks . In immunocompetent individuals, post-symptomatic shedding typically lasts from one week to one month, although cases of shedding lasting up to three months have been reported .
Conclusion
Keywords: norovirus infection duration, acute vs. chronic infection, environmental persistence
The duration of norovirus infection can vary widely depending on the host's immune status and environmental factors. While acute infections in healthy individuals are generally short-lived, lasting 1 to 3 days, chronic infections in immunocompromised hosts can persist for weeks to years. Additionally, norovirus can remain infectious in environmental reservoirs for extended periods, highlighting the need for robust public health measures to control its spread. Understanding these variations is crucial for developing effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic