The Particulars: Norovirus is the cause of many severe gastrointestinal infections in the United States. Currently, there is no treatment or cure for this highly contagious virus. Vaccination against norovirus may help reduce symptoms among those who become infected.
Data Breakdown: Study investigators randomized patients who drank water containing a significant dose of norovirus to an investigational vaccine or to placebo. In the vaccine group, 52% were infected with norovirus, compared with a 60% rate in the placebo group. Among those who were infected, 20% of patients in the vaccine group experienced mild, moderate, or severe vomiting, diarrhea, or both, compared with a 42% rate that was observed in the placebo group.
Take Home Pearl: An investigational vaccine appears to reduce the primary symptoms of gastrointestinal infections caused by norovirus by more than 50% when compared with placebo.
