ISSN 2756-3413
African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 2756-3413 Vol. 20 (5), pp. 001-011, May, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Norovirus Epidemiology in Africa: A Review
Fulgence Raymond Amona1, Luc Magloire Anicet Boumba1,2,3,4, Ghislain Loubano-Voumbi1,3, Archange Michel Emmanuel Mboungou Malonga1, Edith Sophie Kombo Bayonne1,5, Donatien Moukassa1,6, Ange Antoine Abena1,7
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien NGOUABI University, Brazzaville, Congo
2Pointe-Noire Research Area, National Institute for Health Sciences Research, Brazzaville, Congo
3National Institute of Biology and Public health surveillance, Pointe-Noire, Congo
4Microbiology and Molecular Biology Department, LOANDJILI General Hospital, Pointe-Noire, Congo
5Dermatology and Internal Medicine Department, Talangaï Reference Hospital, Brazzaville, Congo
6Brazzaville University Hospital Center, Brazzaville, Congo
7Denis SASSOU N’GUESSO University, Brazzaville, Congo
Received 13 February, 2026; Revised 29 March, 2026; Accepted 31 March, 2026; and Published 13 May, 2026
Noroviruses are leading etiological agents of acute gastroenteritis worldwide and represent a major but underrecognized public health burden in Africa, particularly among children under five years of age, leading to inadequate funding and insufficiently adapted intervention strategies. This study aimed to synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology, genetic diversity, transmission dynamics, diagnostic approaches, and control challenges of norovirus infections across the African continent in order to inform context-appropriate prevention strategies. A systematic review of the literature published between 2010 and December, 2025 was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and SpringerLink, with studies selected based on relevance, methodological rigor, and RT-PCR–based detection. Among 155 articles identified, 35 were retained for integrative analysis. The findings indicate an overall norovirus prevalence of approximately 20.3% in Africa, with substantial regional variability and a clear predominance of the GII.4 Sydney genotype, alongside the emergence of recombinant and non-GII.4 strains, which complicate epidemiological surveillance and may impact vaccine effectiveness. Transmission is driven by fecal–oral, foodborne, waterborne, and nosocomial routes, exacerbated by poor sanitation, overcrowding, seasonal factors, and limited access to clean water. Molecular diagnostics have improved detection and surveillance, yet remain unevenly accessible, while management relies largely on rehydration and preventive hygiene measures in the absence of approved antivirals or vaccines. In conclusion, noroviruses constitute a significant and persistent health threat in Africa, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, improved sanitation, expanded molecular diagnostic capacity, and the development of vaccines and control strategies adapted to the continent’s epidemiological and socio-economic context.
Keywords: Norovirus, Epidemiology, Prevalence, Genetic diversity, Gastroenteritis, RT-PCR, Africa.