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Norovirus Incubation Period

An incubation period is the period of time between when a person is first infected and when symptoms appear. In the case of an infection with norovirus, the incubation period can be anywhere from 12 hours to 2 days. People who are infected are not usually contagious during the norovirus incubation period.

 

Norovirus Incubation Period: A Summary

When a person becomes infected with norovirus, the virus begins to multiply within the small intestine. After approximately 1 to 2 days, norovirus symptoms can appear. This period between the norovirus transmission and the start of norovirus symptoms is known as the "norovirus incubation period." In some cases, the norovirus incubation period can be as short as 12 hours after exposure.
 

Is a Person Contagious During the Norovirus Incubation Period?

A person is not usually contagious during the norovirus incubation period. People infected with norovirus are usually contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days after recovery. Some people may be contagious for as long as 2 weeks after recovery. Therefore, it is particularly important for people to use good hand washing and other hygienic practices after they have recently recovered from norovirus illness.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD