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The U.S. continues to battle widespread norovirus outbreaks, making it essential to adopt effective cleaning and hand hygiene solutions. Known for its highly contagious nature, norovirus spreads rapidly in shared spaces. According to the CDC, the virus transmits through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one’s face. Its high transmissibility makes it a major concern for schools, nursing homes, and other high-risk environments.

What Is Norovirus and Why Is It Dangerous?

Norovirus, often called the “winter vomiting disease,” is a single-stranded RNA virus first identified in Norwalk, Ohio. It causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and low-grade fever, lasting up to 72 hours. Vulnerable groups, including young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are at greater risk of severe illness or dehydration, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies.

How to Prevent Norovirus with Disinfectants and Proper Hygiene

Preventing norovirus requires a multi-faceted approach, including targeted cleaning solutions and strict hand hygiene protocols. Unlike cold and flu viruses, which are easily neutralized by alcohol-based cleaners, norovirus lacks an outer lipid envelope, making it resistant to common disinfectants. It can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks, necessitating the use of powerful norovirus disinfectants.

To effectively prevent norovirus, the following EPA-registered Betco^® disinfectants are recommended for hard surfaces: 

Norovirus Hand Hygiene: The First Line of Defense

Washing hands frequently and thoroughly is the best way to prevent norovirus infections. Betco’s hand hygiene solutions provide advanced options for maintaining cleanliness in various settings. Each Clario^® dispenser bag is sealed to prevent contamination, offering peace of mind and reliable hand hygiene. Whether in schools, healthcare facilities, or food preparation areas, proper hand hygiene is critical to limiting norovirus outbreaks.

Tips for Cleaning and Disinfecting to Stop Norovirus Spread

There are no vaccines or medicines targeting norovirus specifically, but the CDC recommends adopting the following procedures to prevent norovirus infection:

• Disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently with EPA-registered norovirus disinfectants.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Use disposable gloves when cleaning contaminated areas to prevent personal exposure.