Potential distribution of viable norovirus after simulated vomiting

Vomiting is one way in which the body rids itself of harmful gastric contents rapidly. Whilst this process is generally beneficial for the emetic individual, it can pose significant infection control issues if they are infected with a highly communicable pathogen such as norovirus. It is not known how far norovirus could spread through vomiting while remaining viable, particularly in far-reaching droplets and splashes that might be missed during cleaning.

To identify the potential level of dissemination of viable norovirus after simulated vomiting.

This study used a system called 'Vomiting Larry' to simulate vomiting with infection medium containing the norovirus surrogate feline calicivirus (FCV) as a worst-case scenario for distribution and survival of viruses after simulated vomiting. Air and floor samples were taken after simulated vomiting, and analysed for viable virus via plaque assay. Analysis of covariance investigated differences in FCV concentration by sample volume and location.

Whilst viable virus was not isolated from any air samples taken after simulated vomiting, FCV concentrations of ≥10 plaque-forming units/mL were recovered from almost all samples taken from the floor (88/90). These included small droplets of fluid that travelled 3 m away from the vomiting system. There was evidence that FCV concentration depended on both sample volume and location.

This study suggests that norovirus can survive being ejected even within small far-reaching droplets at concentrations capable of eliciting infection. Such droplets could easily go unnoticed and be overlooked during cleaning, adding to the challenge of controlling norovirus outbreaks.