Introduction

Noroviruses belong to the family Caliciviridae and can be grouped into five genogroups (GI through GV), which are further divided into at least 34 genotypes. Genotypes GI, GII and GIV infect humans, causing gastroenteritis.

The symptoms of Norovirus related diseases are those typical of gastroenteritis, that is, vomiting, watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Other symptoms such as general malaise, low grade fever, nausea and fatigue are also present in over 90% of cases. The incubation period of the disease is generally between 12 and 48 hours, while infection lasts between 12 and 60 hours.Infection may also be asymptomatic, and thus contribute to the spread of the virus in the community. As a rule, the disease does not have serious consequences, and most patients recover within 1-2 days without complications.