Norovirus belongs to the family called Caliciviridae. Norovirus causes gastroenteritis, a disease that causes irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus is actually the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis.1Norovirus is small and round. Its diameter is only 27 to 35 nm. The virus contains a single-stranded RNA genome. Noroviruses are divided into five genogroups, G1 to G5. Of these five genogroups, only G1, G2, and G4 are known to infect humans. G2 is most common in cases of gastroenteritis in adults. 1 “Noroviruses are not enveloped and contain an external protein capsid encapsulating an RNA genome. »2 Norovirus does not usually cause serious symptoms. Gastroenteritis usually goes away within forty to eight hours. Symptoms of the virus are usually mild. A person affected by the virus can usually recover after mild diarrhea. Those with compromised immunity could experience serious symptoms if they contract the virus. The virus kills around 200,000 children under the age of five in developing countries each year. There have been documented cases of waterborne and foodborne norovirus outbreaks. A person can become infected through contact with an infected person, contaminated food, contaminated water, environment, or an aerosolized virus. 3 It is common for nororvirus outbreaks to occur in hospitals. Norovirus can occur at any time of the year. It is common for outbreaks to occur during the winter months. 3The virus is very contagious. Gastroenteritis caused by the virus can cause stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and possibly vomiting. Anyone can contract the virus and be affected repeatedly. “Norovirus is also the most common cause of f...... middle of paper ......ld have been used. If a common case definition is used, it is easier to compare outbreaks with each other to obtain information on future outbreaks. Norovirus's ability to have multiple modes of transmission, its prolonged shedding after symptoms disappear, and the environmental stability of the virus make it spread easily and complicate interventions to stop or prevent spread. On college campuses and other settings where many people are in close proximity, a focus should be on proper hand washing techniques, environmental disinfection, and exclusion of sick food workers. It is essential to use technologies such as email, texting and the Internet to contact campuses and inform them of proper hygiene and cleaning techniques. Using all technology sources to communicate on college campuses would allow for a more thorough investigation of a reported outbreak.. 6