Norovirus: According to the Health Department of Kerala January norovirus cases linked to two cases of gastroenteritis infection among class 1 students in Ernakulam district Has happened. They should be followed by symptoms like diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, high temperature 710 Students and their parents were tested, in which norovirus cases were found in two samples. Know how dangerous norovirus is, what are the symptoms and how it spreads, what are the preventive measures.

How widespread are infections caused by norovirus?

Norovirus, which is about 50 has been in humans for more than a century and is believed to be one of the main causes of gastroenteritis, it is not a recent disease. According to estimates, the virus worldwide annually , kills people, with most of these deaths involving children under the age of five and 44 more than years Occurs in senior citizens of age.

First case of norovirus from Kerala

Although norovirus cases are rare in India compared to many other countries, the recent cases in Kerala are by no means exceptional or a one-off. The first report of this infection has been received from Kerala in South India.

Norovirus cases have been reported earlier in various studies

In a study by Christian Medical College-Vellore 2021 1 of Diarrhea, 710 episodes of vomiting and episodes were found, which during the three years ‘s birth group was monitored. According to the study, .4% vomiting episodes and 016.2% Norovirus was found in diarrheal episodes. According to a Hyderabad study by , children who had acute gastroenteritis had .Norovirus was found in 3% of samples.

The number of norovirus cases has increased according to experts

According to Dr. E Sreekumar, director of the Institute of Advanced Virology-Kerala, there has been an increase in the number of norovirus cases reported recently. One reason for this could also be that we were not looking for the virus earlier. Now we have systems to detect not only this virus but many others.

Can norovirus cause an epidemic

Can norovirus spread widely and cause an outbreak?

No. Even though more cases of norovirus are being found, experts believe that this will not result in a widespread outbreak. Norovirus cases are sporadic and occur in small groups in schools or dormitories where people eat the same food. The spread of infection is also limited. This is a personal problem.

What are the symptoms of norovirus and how can it be prevented from spreading? , Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain are symptoms of norovirus. . Being a diarrheal disease, it can cause dehydration, so it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids.

The virus can be spread by eating contaminated food, touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth and by direct contact with an infected person, such as when You are caring for them or sharing food and utensils with them.

The best way to avoid infection is to keep hands thoroughly clean. Wash your hands with soap and water Rinse for seconds. Hand sanitizers are not believed to effectively combat norovirus.

NorovirusConfirmed Norovirus in Wayanad KeralaPublished Date

Fri, Feb 3, 2023, 6: 34 PM IST