Norovirus infection has been confirmed in Ernakulam. The virus infected three students of a private school in Kakkanad. Students receive medical care in a hospital. They had symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting and an examination revealed the infection.
There is also a possibility that some parents have the virus. To stop the spread of the virus, the school has been closed for three days. Testing is being done to see if more students are infected.
What is norovirus?
It is a group of viruses that causes gastrointestinal diseases. It causes inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, as well as severe vomiting and diarrhea.
The virus can be transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person through contaminated surfaces or food. The virus can be transmitted mainly through the oral-fecal route.
A person can be infected with different varieties of norovirus several times in their life, but developing immunity to one type does not provide protection against other varieties.
Norovirus outbreak: When does the outbreak occur?
The outbreak can occur almost at any time of a given year, however, a large portion of positive cases are recorded between November and April.
Who is at risk of becoming infected with Norovirus?
The virus can affect people of all age groups, but is known to cause severe symptoms in children, the elderly, and people with comorbidities.
Norovirus symptoms and incubation period
The incubation period of norovirus is 12 to 48 hours and the patient’s condition begins to improve within 1 to 3 days, provided treatment is provided on time. The symptoms of the highly contagious virus are as follows:
1- Diarrhea2- Vomiting3- Stomach pain4- Gastrointestinal problems5- Fever6- Headache7- Body pain
Norovirus treatment: What are the treatments available to cure the virus?
While there is no specific treatment available to cure the virus, generic medications for diarrhea and vomiting can help cure the disease. Infected people are also advised to drink plenty of water to help prevent dehydration.
How to prevent norovirus?
Norovirus can be prevented by following the instructions mentioned below:
1- Maintain hand hygiene, that is, wash your hands with soap and warm water before eating food and after going to the bathroom. Avoid disinfectant as alcohol does not kill the virus.
2- Disinfect your home with the help of a bleach-based household cleaner.
3- Avoid cooking meals for 48 hours if you are sick.
4- Use boiled water for drinking and cooking.
5- Use chlorinated water for domestic use.
6- Wash fruits and vegetables well before consuming them.
7- Sea fish and shellfish such as crab and mussels should only be consumed after they are well cooked.
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Source: ptivs2.edu.vn