Causes Of Norovirus

Contaminated Water

Another way to contact norovirus is through contaminated water. This contamination can happen if there is a sewage overflow or a malfunction with a sewage system, resulting in the feces of infected individuals coming into contact with a water source, such as a private well. Obtaining water from shallow, private wells carries a higher risk for contamination, especially after flooding. Individuals who are concerned their drinking water may be contaminated can contact their state water officials, who will direct them to the nearest laboratory for testing. Water should be sustained at a rolling boil for at least one minute for elevations under 6500 feet to prevent norovirus transmission from contaminated water. For elevations at about 6500 feet, water should be sustained at a rolling boil for at least three minutes. Allow water to cool and then stored with a tight lid, in a thoroughly sanitized container. Filtration systems do not filter out norovirus due to its tiny size.

Continue reading to learn about another cause and transmission method for norovirus.