What is Norovirus? Confirmation of two children of Kerala, know everything about it

India

oi-Anjan Kumar Chaudhary

New Delhi, June 6: Norovirus has been confirmed in two school going children in Kerala. This infection is from this month. Both these cases are from Vizhinjam and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. According to official sources, the SSO of Kerala has been asked to submit a detailed report on the matter at the earliest. These cases have come to the fore when samples of school students who complained of food poisoning were tested in a state government lab. The Kerala government on Sunday said that norovirus infections are like rotaviruses that cause diarrhea. State Health Minister Veena George has described the disease as very contagious and asked people to take care of cleanliness. Let’s know everything about norovirus.

What is norovirus?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is a highly contagious disease, due to which complaints of vomiting and diarrhea are seen. Norovirus is also sometimes called the stomach flu or ‘winter vomiting bug’. However, the CDC says it is not related to the influenza virus, which causes the flu. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service says that the onset of norovirus can prove to be very troublesome. However, its effect usually subsides in about two days.

symptoms of norovirus

According to the CDC, norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines. It is also called acute gastroenteritis. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 48 hours of norovirus infection. Most people recover in 1 to 3 days after being hit by it. Some of its major symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. Some patients may also complain of fever, headache or body aches. The CDC warns that it can cause dehydration, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with other diseases.

How is norovirus spread?

Norovirus can be spread through consumption of contaminated food and liquids, or by putting fingers into the mouth after touching contaminated objects or surfaces, by direct contact with patients, or by using used utensils. According to the CDC, an infected person can expel billions of particles of norovirus, which cannot be seen without a microscope. However, only some of those particles can make others sick.

protection against norovirus

Norovirus can be avoided by washing hands with soap and water. The CDC says that the virus can be present in the stool of a person who has recovered from norovirus for two weeks or more. That is why people are advised to keep washing their hands regularly.

treatment of norovirus

There is no specific medicine to treat a person who has become ill with norovirus. The CDC recommends that you drink plenty of fluids, which can prevent dehydration. Because, due to vomiting and diarrhea, there can be a lack of water in the body. It says that when the disease is at its peak, it is necessary to maintain adequate amount of water in the body. Otherwise, the patient may face the possibility of giving fluids through the vein in the body.

Also read: Kerala: Norovirus confirmed in 2 children, hospitalized, condition stable