Norovirus can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and is highly transmissible. getty

Nearly 100 passengers and crew aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas recently contracted norovirus during a 13-day cruise from San Diego to Miami. This outbreak highlights the persistent challenge this highly contagious virus poses in close-quarter settings. As winter approaches, understanding norovirus—its transmission, symptoms, and prevention—is more important than ever.

What is Norovirus and How Does It Spread?

Norovirus is a viral infection that causes acute gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Although it is commonly referred to as the “stomach flu”, it is unrelated to influenza virus. Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States,

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