What virus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in adults?

What virus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in adults?

• A. Rotavirus
• B. Adenovirus
• C. Norovirus
• D. Astrovirus

Answer: (C)

Norovirus is the virus most commonly responsible for viral gastroenteritis in adults. It spreads easily from person to person and through contaminated food or surfaces, and it has a very low infectious dose, allowing rapid and widespread outbreaks in adults in settings like schools, care facilities, and cruise ships. Because of its stability in the environment and its ability to cause quick, widespread transmission, norovirus accounts for the majority of adult cases and outbreaks. Rotavirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis in children, especially under five years old, which is why it’s less common as the cause in adults. Adenovirus and astrovirus can cause gastroenteritis as well, but they contribute far fewer cases in adults and are generally less prominent in the epidemiology of adult disease. Clinically, norovirus infections typically present with sudden vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with nausea and abdominal cramps, and they’re usually self-limited over 1–3 days, with supportive care focusing on hydration. Prevention hinges on diligent hand hygiene and thorough cleaning/disinfection of contaminated surfaces, since norovirus can persist in the environment.

Norovirus is the virus most commonly responsible for viral gastroenteritis in adults. It spreads easily from person to person and through contaminated food or surfaces, and it has a very low infectious dose, allowing rapid and widespread outbreaks in adults in settings like schools, care facilities, and cruise ships. Because of its stability in the environment and its ability to cause quick, widespread transmission, norovirus accounts for the majority of adult cases and outbreaks.

Rotavirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis in children, especially under five years old, which is why it’s less common as the cause in adults. Adenovirus and astrovirus can cause gastroenteritis as well, but they contribute far fewer cases in adults and are generally less prominent in the epidemiology of adult disease. Clinically, norovirus infections typically present with sudden vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with nausea and abdominal cramps, and they’re usually self-limited over 1–3 days, with supportive care focusing on hydration. Prevention hinges on diligent hand hygiene and thorough cleaning/disinfection of contaminated surfaces, since norovirus can persist in the environment.