What is a significant characteristic of norovirus?

Norovirus is recognized for its extremely contagious nature, making it a significant concern in food safety and public health. It can easily spread through contaminated food, surfaces, or close contact with infected individuals. This high level of contagion means that even small amounts of the virus can lead to an outbreak, particularly in crowded environments such as restaurants, schools, and cruise ships.

The virus's ability to survive on surfaces and its resistance to certain disinfectants further enhance its infectious potential. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for food handlers to implement proper hygiene and safety practices to prevent transmission, especially during outbreaks. The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of norovirus; it is indeed contagious, and contrary to what some options suggest, there is no vaccine available for prevention or treatment.