Norovirus infections are notoriously difficult to prevent and control due to their low infectious dose, high shedding titre, and environmental stability. The virus can spread through multiple transmission routes, of which person-to-person and foodborne are the most important.

Recent advances in molecular diagnostics have helped to establish norovirus as the most common cause of sporadic gastroenteritis and the most common cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis across all ages.

Outbreak management depends on sound infection control measures, including hand hygiene, limiting exposure to infectious individuals, and thorough environmental decontamination.