A highly contagious infection of the virus- Norovirus has been reported in Pookode, Wayanad district in Kerala. It has infected more than a dozen students of a veterinary college and is one of the leading causes of viral gastroenteritis, referred to as the ‘stomach flu. Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George has advised people to be vigilant and the government has issued several guidelines for people to follow. The Health Minister said, ‘Currently there is no cause for concern but everyone should be vigilant. Activities including super chlorination are underway. Drinking water sources need to be ensured to be hygienic’. According to the reports, this is the second Norovirus outbreak in Kerala this year.

What is Norovirus

Norovirus is a contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. When one gets infected, he throws out billions of virus’ particles that can make other people sick. The outbreak of the virus can happen anytime but it is often seen to have developed during November to April. It is often called ‘food poisoning’, ‘stomach flu’ or ‘stomach bug’. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every five cases of gastroenteritis is caused by Norovirus.

How it spreads

A very small amount of contaminated food and water can make you sick. The food and water get contaminated when an infected person touches food with bare hands that have feces or vomit particles on his hands. The surface or counter where the food is placed has feces or vomit particles, or food is grown or harvested with contaminated water can also spread the virus. When someone comes in direct contact with the infected person or touches the contaminated surface, he may also catch the infection. The disease is animal-borne and first spreads through humans through water or food that has been contaminated by the excreta of animals. It is assumed that the disease spread through an infected animal.

Symptoms of Norovirus

After getting exposed to Norovirus, symptoms may develop after 12 to 48 hours. Due to vomit or diarrhea many times a day, the person may get dehydrated. The common symptoms of dehydration include feeling thirsty, dark yellow and strong-smelling pee, feeling dizzy or lightheadedness, feeling tired, having adry mouth, lips and eyes. The severe symptoms are dehydration that includes urinating small amounts of dark-colored urine, or not urinating, severe diarrhea or vomiting, and muscle cramps.

Prevention

Norovirus infection can be prevented by proper hygiene practices. People need to wash their hands with soap before eating or handling food, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Maintaining hygiene during sickness can stop spreading the disease. It is advised to maintain an appropriate distance from the infected person if someone is at the risk of falling severely sick.

Treatment On getting infected with Norovirus, one must drink plenty of liquids to replenish fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea. There is no specific medicine to treat people with norovirus illness. In severe cases, the infected person may require hospitalization for treatment with fluids given through the patient’s vein.