An outbreak of Norwalk-like virus gastroenteritis in an aged-care residential hostel

Abstract

Norwalk-like viruses are members of the calicivirus family, first discovered in 1972 following an outbreak of gastroenteritis in Norwalk, Ohio, and more recently renamed Norovirus. They are a common cause of outbreaks of gastroenteritis in institutions throughout the winter months. The faecal–oral route is the primary method of transmission; however, airborne spread from vomitus and fomites (objects or places where infection survives apart from the host’s body) has also been reported.