In Thiruvananthapuram, at least two instances of norovirus have been discovered among lower primary school kids.
The illness, which causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever as symptoms, was discovered after samples were analysed at a government analytical lab, according to health department authorities. Additional samples have been sent to be examined. Students are thought to have contracted food illness from school-provided mid-day lunches thus far.
Norovirus is a highly infectious virus that is sometimes known as the “stomach flu” or the “winter vomiting bug.” Food, drink, and surfaces that have been infected can all spread the virus. The oral-faecal route is the most common.
It affects people of all ages and is comparable to the diarrhoea-causing rotavirus. Outbreaks of disease are most common on cruise ships, in nursing homes, dorms, and other enclosed settings.
Emerging data shows that “norovirus infection is related with intestinal inflammation, malnutrition, and may cause long-term morbidity,” according to the World Health Organization. It goes on to say that an estimated 685 million cases of norovirus are seen each year, with 200 million instances among children under the age of five.
Vomiting and/or diarrhoea are the first symptoms of norovirus, and they appear one or two days after exposure to the virus.
Patients may also experience nausea, stomach discomfort, fever, headaches, and body pains. Loss of fluids can cause dehydration in extreme circumstances.
Because the virus contains numerous strains, it is possible to become infected several times. Norovirus is resistant to a wide range of disinfectants and can endure temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius. As a result, just heating food or chlorinating water is insufficient to eliminate the virus. Many popular hand sanitisers are also resistant to the virus.
The most apparent preventive is to frequently wash hands with soap after using the restroom or changing diapers. It is critical to thoroughly wash hands before eating or preparing food. During epidemics, surfaces must be disinfected with a 5,000 parts per million hypochlorite solution.
The illness is self-contained. Even though the illness drains a lot of energy from the sufferer, it usually only lasts two or three days, and most people who aren’t very young, too elderly, or malnourished can get through it with enough rest and fluids.
Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction is used to diagnose cancer. There are no vaccinations available for this condition.
In the acute period, it’s critical to stay hydrated. Patients with severe dehydration may require intravenous rehydration fluids.
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