Norovirus Infection in China – Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

• In Foshan city of Guangdong Province, China, a norovirus outbreak has occurred in a senior high school, where 103 students have been reported infected.
• According to local health authorities, all students are in stable condition and no serious or fatal cases have been reported.
• The school campus has been disinfected, and students are under continuous health monitoring.
• The incident was reported on 17 January 2026. Some netizens claim the actual number of infections may be higher, but the official figure remains 103.

What is Norovirus ?

• Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that mainly affects the stomach and intestines.
• It is a leading cause of gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines), often called the “stomach flu.”
• Unlike coronavirus, which affects the respiratory system, norovirus spreads through contaminated food, water, and surfaces.
•  It is common worldwide and infects millions of people every year, especially in closed environments such as schools, hospitals, and cruise ships.
• Norovirus outbreaks are not new in China; similar incidents occurred earlier, such as in Shandong Province in 2025.

Symptoms of Norovirus  

Symptoms usually appear 12–48 hours after exposure. Common symptoms include:

• Vomiting – sudden and repeated vomiting
  
• Diarrhea – watery stools that may cause dehydration
  
• Stomach pain or cramps
  
• Nausea
  
• Mild fever
  
• Headache and muscle aches

Symptoms usually last 1–3 days, but can be more severe in children, elderly people, and those with weak immunity. Dehydration is the biggest concern, especially in children.

Causes of Spread

Norovirus spreads very quickly through:

• Eating contaminated or unhygienic food
  
• Drinking contaminated water
  
• Food touched by infected hands
  
• Eating undercooked shellfish
  
• Touching contaminated surfaces such as door handles, taps, mobile phones, tables
  
• Close contact with an infected person

The virus can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks.

Ways to prevent norovirus 

There is no vaccine or specific medicine for norovirus, but it can be prevented with proper hygiene:

1. Hand Hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after contact with sick people. Alcohol-based sanitizers are less effective against norovirus.
2. Food and Water Safety: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and cook food properly. Avoid contaminated food and water.
3. Surface Cleaning: Clean infected areas with bleach-based disinfectants, as the virus can survive on surfaces for long periods.
4. Avoid Contact: Stay away from infected individuals. If you are sick, stay at home and avoid close contact with others.
5. Caution in Public Places: Maintain personal hygiene in crowded areas. Masks are less effective since the virus mainly spreads through contact.