Public Health Agency of Canada
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
- See our Gastroenteritis page
Norovirus
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting.
More information about norovirus
Report to the Health Unit within one business day by fax (705-482-0670) or phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if an outbreak is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7.
An outbreak should be suspected when there are more cases than normal, based on surveillance data.
An outbreak is confirmed when there are two or more cases with an epidemiological link (e.g., same unit or floor, same caregiver) within 48 hours.
An enteric case is a resident/patient/child/camper or staff with two or more episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhea in a 24-hour period that cannot be explained by other causes (e.g., medication side effects, laxatives, diet or prior medical condition).
See the Quick Reference for Detecting Outbreaks for additional information.
Should one go to childcare, school, camp, or work if they have norovirus?
Exclude until the individual has been at least 48 hours without symptoms.
Follow the direction of your healthcare provider or occupational health at your workplace.
Healthcare provider information
Infection prevention and control
In healthcare settings, contact precautions must continue for 48 hours after the resolution of symptoms.
Public Health Ontario
Ministry of Health - Ontario Public Health Standards
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last reviewed: Apr 2026, by CDC