Norwalk virus is the prototype virus of the genus Norovirus of the family Caliciviridae. Noroviruses contain a positive strand RNA genome of approximately 7.5 kb, encoding a major structural protein (VP1) of about 60 kDa and a minor capsid protein VP2. The 27-35 nm viral particles have a buoyant density of 1.39-1.40 g/ml in CsCl. Noroviruses can be genetically classified into 5 different genogroups (GI, GII, GIII, GIV, and GV) which can be further divided into different genetic groups or genotypes. For example genogroup II, the most prevalent human genogroup, presently contains 17 genotypes. Genogroups I, II and IV infect humans, whilst genogroup III is associated with bovine infections and genogroup V has recently been isolated in mice. Historically, noroviruses have been named after the places where the outbreaks occurred (e.g., Norwalk, Hawaii, Snow Mountain, Southampton, Bristol etc.), but recently a numeric classification system has been proposed and accepted globally. This classification system is based upon numbering genogroups with Roman numerals and genotypes with numbers. For example the genogroup II norovirus, Lordsdale virus is a member of genotype 4, and therefore classified as a GII.4 norovirus. GII.4 viruses account for the majority of adult outbreaks of gastroenteritis and often sweep across the globe. Recent examples include US95/96-US strain, associated with global outbreaks in the mid to late 90s, Farmington Hills virus associated with outbreaks in Europe and the USA in 2002 and more recently, Hunter virus, associated with epidemics of gastroenteritis in Australia, Japan, The Netherlands and Taiwan.
Food and Water Borne :: Conditions and Diseases

: Surveillance of noroviruses in England and Wales, 1995 to 2002 - Research article on the disease.
Bad Bug Book: The Norwalk Virus Family - Includes symptoms, sources of infection, outbreaks, and prevention.
Meta Description: [ Provides basic facts about the norwalk virus family ]
CDC : Noroviruses - The organism is also known as Norwalk-like viruses or caliciviruses. The disease is also known as stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis. Includes cause, treatment, and prevention.
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Food Safety Research Information Office: Norwalk Virus - Directory of press releases, articles, resources, and factsheets on the disease.
Norwalk Virus - Factsheet on the disease.
Meta Description: [ Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses is implicated as the etiologic agent in about 1/3 of the non-bacterial outbreaks of gastroenteritis. Norwalk viruses are more commonly associated with outbreaks of gastroenteritis in nursing homes ]
Norwalk Virus and Other Caliciviruses - Scientific and medical information about the virus.
Norwalk Virus Gastroenteritis: A Different Type of Foodborne Illness, HYG-5569-98 - Ohio State University Extension fact sheet providing basic information on the subject.
Meta Description: [ Norwalk Virus is part of a family of unclassified, small, round-structured viruses. Common names of the illness caused by the Norwalk and Norwal ]
Norwalk Virus Infection Facts - Factsheet on the disease with symptoms and prevention.
Norwalk Viruses Widespread - Gastrointestinal infection are often caused by the Norwalk virus or one of its many relatives. These viruses are second only to the common cold in the occurrence of viral illnesses in the US.
Meta Description: [ Theres a good chance that stomach bug you just suffered through was either the Norwalk virus or one of its many relatives. These viruses are second only to the common cold in the occurrence of viral illnesses in the US. ]
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