Norovirus Outbreaks in US: Why Doesn't Hand Sanitizer Kill this Virus? All You Need to Know About It.

 Norovirus, often called the "stomach bug," is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. While outbreaks of norovirus occur worldwide, the U.S. frequently experiences spikes in cases during colder months.

Why Hand Sanitizer Doesn’t Kill Norovirus

Hand sanitizers, particularly those based on alcohol, are not very effective against norovirus. Here's why:

1. Structure of Norovirus:

   • Norovirus has a tough outer protein shell called a capsid, which protects the virus. This structure is highly resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers, preventing them from effectively penetrating and inactivating the virus.

2. Resistance to Alcohol:

   • Unlike some viruses (like influenza) that have an outer lipid envelope that alcohol can disrupt, norovirus lacks this lipid layer. Its sturdy protein shell makes it much harder for alcohol to denature the virus.

3. Surface Stability:

   • Norovirus is highly stable on surfaces and can survive for days or even weeks, making it more challenging to eliminate with conventional cleaning agents, including hand sanitizers.

Preventing Norovirus

To effectively prevent norovirus infections, follow these steps:

1. Proper Handwashing:

   • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, or before eating or preparing food. Soap and water physically remove the virus from your hands.

2. Disinfecting Surfaces:

   • Clean contaminated surfaces using a bleach-based disinfectant. A solution with 5–25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water is recommended.

3. Handling Food Safely:

   • Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
   • Cook shellfish thoroughly, as norovirus can survive undercooked or raw seafood.

4. Avoiding Close Contact:

   • Stay away from individuals showing symptoms of norovirus and avoid preparing food for others if you are sick.

5. Washing Clothes and Linens:

   • Immediately wash soiled clothing or linens at high temperatures with detergent.

Key Takeaways

Hand sanitizer alone is not effective against norovirus due to its robust structure. Proper handwashing with soap and water, surface disinfection, and food safety measures are essential for preventing and controlling the spread of this virus.