Final answer:
Norovirus can spread through airborne particles when an infected person vomits. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, and fever, and preventive measures include good hygiene and careful food preparation. Norovirus can be diagnosed using PCR testing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Norovirus can indeed be spread through the air, particularly through particles that become airborne when an infected person vomits. The signs and symptoms of norovirus infection include watery diarrhea, mild cramps, and fever. It is important to note that noroviruses are responsible for causing gastroenteritis and are highly contagious, often leading to outbreaks in group settings such as cruise ships due to the ease of transmission.
Noroviruses can survive on contaminated surfaces and are typically transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces, or consuming contaminated food. The importance of proper hygiene, such as hand washing, cannot be overstated in preventing the spread of noroviruses. Other preventive measures include careful food preparation and rehydration therapy for those who become infected. Diagnosis of norovirus can be made using PCR or enzyme immunoassay testing. However, RT-qPCR is preferred due to its higher sensitivity.