Norovirus infection has been confirmed in Ernakulam. Three students at a private school in Kakkanad have contracted the virus. The students are receiving medical care at the hospital. They had symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting, and test results showed they had an infection.
It is also possible that some parents contract the virus. To prevent the spread of the virus, schools were closed for three days. There are tests being done to see if more students are infected.
What is Norovirus?
This is a group of viruses that cause gastrointestinal diseases. It causes inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, and also causes 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 mainly be transmitted through the oral-fecal route.
A person can be infected with different types of norovirus multiple times in their life, but developing immunity to one type does not confer protection against the others.
Norovirus outbreak: When does an outbreak occur?
Outbreaks can occur almost any time in a given year, however, the majority of positive cases are recorded between November and April.
Who is at risk of Norovirus infection?
This virus can affect people of all ages but is known to cause severe symptoms in children, the elderly, and those 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 prompt treatment is given. Symptoms of the highly contagious virus are as follows:
1- Diarrhea2- Vomiting3- Stomach pain4- Gastrointestinal problems5- Fever6- Headache7- Body aches
Norovirus Treatment: What are the treatments available to cure the virus?
Although there is no specific treatment to cure the virus, common medications for diarrhea and vomiting can help. Infected people are also advised to drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration.
How to prevent Norovirus?
Norovirus can be prevented by following the instructions below:
1- Maintain hand hygiene, that is, wash your hands with soap and warm water before eating and after going to the toilet. Avoid using disinfectants because alcohol does not kill viruses.
2- Disinfect your home with the help of house cleaners.
3- Avoid cooking meals for 48 hours if you are sick.
4- Use boiled water for drinking and cooking.
5- Use chlorinated water for daily life.
6- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
7- Only eat sea fish and shellfish such as crabs and clams after being thoroughly cooked.
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Source: pagasa.edu.vn