Airborne Danger

Introduction

Noroviruses, THE group of viruses responsible for over 50 per cent of global gastroenteritis cases, can spread by air up to several metres from an infected person. Preventive steps by hospitals during outbreaks may be insufficient to contain this kind of infection. In a study at eight hospitals during gastroenteritis outbreaks, noroviruses were found in the air at six. Virus concentrations ranged from 13 to 2,350 particles per cubic meter of air. A dose of 20 norovirus particles is sufficient to cause gastroenteritis. 

Source

Down To Earth, May 2015