Norovirus

Norovirus

Norovirus

#GS-02 Healthcare, #GS-03 Science and Technology

For Prelims

Norovirus

  • Norovirus is highly contagious and can cause inflammation in the stomach lining and the intestines resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea similar to rotavirus.
  • A person can develop symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus and will get better within 1 to 3 days.
  • According to the World Health Organization it is the most common pathogen causing the outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease.
  • Norovirus is resistant to the common hand sanitisers and also to most disinfectants and can survive temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius.
  • This means that merely steaming food or chlorinating water cannot destroy the virus.
  • Although it is called stomach flu or stomach bug, it is unrelated to the flu caused by the influenza virus.
  • People of all ages can be affected by Norovirus but the elderly, children and people with comorbidities are particularly vulnerable.
  • About 2 lakh people die because of norovirus every year which includes around 50,000 children.

Symptoms

  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Body ache

Transmission

  • Primary method through which Norovirus can be transmitted from an infected person to others is through direct contact.
  • It can also be transmitted through contaminated food or water, and also by touching contaminated surfaces and then putting the unwashed hands into the mouth.

Treatment

  • There is no targeted treatment for norovirus and treatment involves managing the symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting through taking generic medicines for them.
  • Infected people must consume plenty of warm water to prevent dehydration.

Source “Two students in Kerala infected with Norovirus

For more updates, click here