Norovirus Sickens about 20 Million People in the USA Every Year
Norovirus, the USA's leading cause of food-borne illness, has become known as the "cruise ship virus" for causing mass outbreaks of food poisoning and misery on the high seas.
Food handlers cause 70% of norovirus out breaks. The illness sickens about 20 million people in the USA every year.
Food handlers such as cooks and waiters, cause about 70% of norovirus outbreaks related to contaminated food, mostly through touching "ready to eat" foods like sandwiches or fruit with their bare hands.
According to a new report from Centers for Disease Control and Prevetion, more than 90% of contamination occured during food preparation and 75% of food involved in outbreaks was consumed raw.