Norovirus

  Norovirus

Why in the news?   

A sharp increase in norovirus outbreaks has been reported in the US this winter.

About Norovirus:

• It is a common and highly contagious virus that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, a condition known as gastroenteritis.
• It is also sometimes referred to as the ‘stomach flu’ or the ‘winter vomiting bug’.
• People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus, which spreads very easily and quickly.
• These viruses are responsible for about 90% of viral gastroenteritis outbreaks and close to 50% of cases across the world.
• You can get norovirus illness many times in your life because there are many different types of noroviruses.

Transmission:

• They are commonly spread through food or water that is contaminated during preparation or through contaminated surfaces.
• Noroviruses can also spread through close contact with a person who has a norovirus infection.

Symptoms:

• The initial symptoms of norovirus are vomiting and/or diarrhoea, which show up one or two days after exposure to the virus.
• Patients also feel nauseous, and suffer from abdominal pain, fever, headaches and body aches.
• In extreme cases, loss of fluids could lead to dehydration.

Treatment:

• No vaccines are currently available to prevent norovirus. Treatment for the infection focuses on relieving your symptoms.
• It is important to maintain hydration in the acute phase.
• In extreme cases, patients have to be administered rehydration fluids intravenously.

                                                                         Source: Live Mint