Sapovirus Infection

Sapovirus is a virus similar to norovirus that causes gastroenteritis, with diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps, typically resolving on its own within a few days.

It spreads through contaminated food or water, or contact with an infected person's stool or vomit, similar to how norovirus spreads.

Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and abdominal cramps, usually milder than or similar to norovirus, and typically resolving within a few days.

Most cases are mild and self-limiting, with the main risk being dehydration, particularly in young children and older adults.

Treatment is supportive, focused on maintaining hydration, as there is no specific antiviral treatment for sapovirus.

Good hand hygiene, avoiding food preparation while symptomatic, and careful cleaning of contaminated surfaces help reduce the spread of sapovirus, similar to norovirus prevention.

Seek medical care for signs of dehydration or if symptoms are severe or prolonged beyond a few days.