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| | Preventing Foodborne Illness: Norovirus |
 | | Norovirus, similar to Norwalk virus, causes an illness called gastroenteritis, which is commonly referred to as "the stomach flu" (no relation to the common flu, which is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus). |
 | | Among the 232 outbreaks of norovirus illness reported to the CDC from July 1997 to June 2000, 57% were foodborne, traced to restaurants or catered meals. |
 | | Since norovirus is found in the feces and fluids of infected individuals, it is imperative that proper hand washing techniques (see below) be followed after using the restroom and before preparing, handling, or consuming foods. |
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