NOROVIRUS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CONTAGIOUS INFECTION
Imprints Academy
Norovirus, an animal-borne disease transmitted through contaminated water and food, is confirmed in Kerala's Wayanad district.
What is norovirus?
- Norovirus is a very contagious virus and it is also called as ‘stomach flu’ or ‘stomach bug’.
- Noroviruses belong to the family Caliciviridae. They are a group of non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses that primarily cause acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and/or intestines).
- It is the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness.
Who is at Risk?
- People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus. It does not significantly affect healthy people but it can be serious in young children, the elderly and people with comorbidities.
What is the mode of transmission?
- Having direct contact with an infected person
- Having food that has been prepared or handled by someone with the stomach bug
- Touching contaminated surfaces
What are the signs and symptoms?
- Signs and symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure to norovirus and last one to three days.
- Nausea, Vomiting
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Diarrhea
- Low-grade fever
- Muscle pain
What is the treatment?
- Adequate rest
- Drink oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and boiled water to prevent dehydration.
- Antibiotic drugs will not help treat norovirus infections because they fight bacteria, not viruses.
What are the preventive measures?
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Chlorination of water sources with bleaching powder
- Rinse fruits and vegetables
- Clean and Cook shellfish thoroughly