History of Norovirus in Timeline
Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus, is the leading cause of gastroenteritis. It primarily induces symptoms such as non-bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, and may also cause fever and headaches. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and usually resolve within one to three days. While complications are rare, dehydration can occur, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting health conditions.
November 1968: Norwalk virus identified during outbreak
In November 1968, an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis at Bronson Elementary School in Norwalk, Ohio, led to the identification of the Norwalk virus, the original name for norovirus. This event marked the beginning of the virus's recognition in the scientific community.
1968: Outbreak in Norwalk, Ohio
In 1968, an outbreak of norovirus occurred in Norwalk, Ohio, which led to the virus being named after the city. This outbreak marked a significant moment in the history of norovirus.
1972: Norwalk virus identified via electron microscopy
In 1972, electron microscopy on stored human stool samples identified the Norwalk virus, providing visual confirmation of the virus responsible for outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis.
December 1998: Norovirus outbreak in a restaurant
In December 1998, a person who vomited in a restaurant led to a norovirus outbreak, infecting 52 people. This incident demonstrated the virus's airborne transmission potential and highlighted the importance of controlling such outbreaks.
2002: Farmington Hills virus outbreak
In 2002, the Farmington Hills virus, a strain of norovirus, was associated with outbreaks in Europe and the United States. This highlighted the global spread and impact of norovirus strains.
2002: ICTV names the virus Norovirus
In 2002, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) approved the name 'norovirus' for the genus. This formal naming helped standardize the terminology used in scientific and medical communities.
2004: Farmington Hills virus outbreak
In 2004, the Farmington Hills virus continued to cause norovirus outbreaks in Europe and the United States, showcasing the persistence and widespread nature of the virus.
2006: Study on norovirus survival outside the host
A 2006 study found that norovirus can survive on surfaces used for food preparation for up to seven days after contamination. This discovery underscored the virus's resilience and the importance of thorough cleaning practices.
2006: Increase in norovirus infections globally
In 2006, there was a significant increase in norovirus infections around the globe. Studies linked human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) to norovirus susceptibility, suggesting the capsid of noroviruses evolved from selective pressure of human HBGAs.
2007: LigoCyte announces norovirus vaccine trials
In 2007, LigoCyte announced the commencement of phase 1 trials for a norovirus vaccine, marking a significant step toward preventing norovirus infections.
2011: CDC publishes norovirus prevention guidelines
In 2011, the CDC released a clinical practice guideline with 51 evidence-based recommendations for preventing and controlling norovirus outbreaks in healthcare settings. This guideline aimed to improve response strategies and reduce infection rates.
2011: ICTV press release on virus nomenclature
In 2011, the ICTV issued a press release encouraging the use of 'Norwalk virus' instead of 'norovirus' to avoid negative associations with the family name 'Noro.' This decision followed consultations with various stakeholders.
2012: Surge in norovirus cases on cruise ships
In 2012, there was a notable number of norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships, which was later surpassed by an even higher number of outbreaks in 2023.
2015: Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships
In 2015, there were 12 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships, according to the CDC, demonstrating the virus's significant impact on this mode of travel and the need for stringent sanitation measures.
May 2016: Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships
By May 2016, the CDC reported 10 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships, highlighting the virus's prevalence in such environments. An earlier year, 2015, saw 12 outbreaks, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of controlling norovirus on cruise ships.
August 2017: Norovirus outbreak in Quebec, Canada
In August 2017, more than 700 people were sickened by a norovirus outbreak in Quebec, Canada. The source was identified as frozen raspberries from a Chinese supplier, leading to a recall by Canadian authorities.
2019: Completion of phase 1 trials for norovirus vaccine
In 2019, a bivalent (NoV GI.1/GII.4) intramuscular norovirus vaccine completed phase 1 trials. This vaccine uses a virus-like particle to mimic the external structure of the virus without causing infection.
2020: Completion of phase 2b trials for norovirus vaccine
In 2020, the phase 2b trials for a bivalent norovirus vaccine were completed, bringing the vaccine closer to potential approval and use in preventing norovirus infections.
2023: Surge in norovirus cases on cruise ships
In 2023, there was a significant increase in norovirus cases on thirteen cruise ships, marking the highest number of outbreaks since 2012, according to the CDC.