Which virus is responsible for 90% of non-bacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks?

Norovirus is the leading cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis, responsible for approximately 90% of outbreaks. This highly contagious virus can spread through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and direct person-to-person contact. It is particularly known for causing outbreaks in settings such as cruise ships, schools, and nursing homes due to its ability to spread rapidly and its low infectious dose.

Rotavirus, while significant, primarily affects infants and young children and has been largely mitigated in regions with vaccination programs. Adenovirus can indeed cause gastroenteritis but is not as prevalent as norovirus in outbreak scenarios. The current strains of coronavirus, particularly SARS-CoV-2, have led to respiratory illness and other systemic complications but are not typically associated with gastroenteritis outbreaks in the same manner as norovirus.

Therefore, norovirus stands out due to its specific characteristics and its role as the major pathogen in non-bacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks, highlighting its importance in public health discussions and preventative measures.