The coronavirus Pandemic which has shaken the world is not over yet another virus named Norovirus in Kerala have raised concerns. Kerala Health Minister on Friday appealed to the people to be aware of this gut-related infectious viral disease and issued guidelines.
Two weeks ago norovirus, an animal-borne virus spread through contaminated water and food. It was reported in 13 students of a veterinary college in the Wayanad district. The Health Minister said, “There is nothing to worry about right now, but everyone needs to be alert. Activities including super chlorination are going on. There is a need to keep the drinking water sources clean.”
In the backdrop of this event, it becomes important to understand this virus and the preventive measures we need to take.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus commonly known as winter viral bug causes gastrointestinal illness, which includes symptoms such as inflammation of the stomach and intestines, severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Norovirus infections occur more commonly during the winter months. Noroviruses transmit from human to human and indirectly through contaminated water and food. These viruses are extremely contagious. Norovirus does not cause many effects on healthy people, but it can be dangerous for young children, the elderly and people suffering from other morbidities. The virus is also spread through the faeces and vomit of an infected person.
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What are the symptoms of Norovirus?
A person usually experiences gastroenteritis symptoms within 12 to 48 hours after being infected with Norovirus.
Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, high fever, headache and body aches are some of the common symptoms of norovirus. Experts say that excessive diarrhoea or vomiting can lead to loss of water in the body and this can lead to complications.
Prevention and treatment:
Those who are infected with Norovirus should take rest at home. Keep drinking ORS and boiled water. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not effective against the Norovirus, this is due to Norovirus being a non-enveloped virus. So washing hands thoroughly before eating food and after defecation is a must. People who come into contact with animals need special attention. Prevention includes disinfection of contaminated surfaces.
There is no vaccine present for this. Moreover, antibiotics also do not work against this virus. Only symptomatic treatment can be done.
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