What is Norovirus infection: How it is caused, symptoms, spread and prevention

Norovirus Kerala: Kerala recorded 3 cases of norovirus— a gastrointestinal zoonotic disease that is transmitted through close contact or contaminating food, new agency PTI reported. A senior medical officer of Kakkanad district said 62 students and a few parents of the school exhibited symptoms following which two samples were sent for testing at the State Public Laboratory.
"The health condition of the children is stable. The Health Department personnel inspected the school which is now temporarily closed. We are holding online awareness sessions for the children and parents. The classrooms and the toilets have now been sanitised," the District Medical Officer said in a statement.

What is Norovirus  

Norovirus is also called the stomach flu or stomach bug. However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu which is caused by influenza virus. Those who are infected with Norovirus shed billions of Norovirus particles and few virus particles can make other people sick.

Norovirus symptoms  

A person who is infected with Norovirus usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches

Norovirus dehydration symptoms

• Decrease in urination

• Dry mouth and throat

• Feeling dizzy when standing up

Norovirus spread

Norovirus is caused by contaminating food and water because it only takes a very small amount of virus particles to make you sick.  Norovirus also spreads through sick people and contaminated surfaces. 

Norovirus prevention:

• Wash your hands often
• Rinse fruits and vegetables
• Cook shellfish thoroughly
• Stay home when sick and for two days after symptoms stop
• Avoid preparing food for others when sick and for two days after symptoms stop
• Drink plenty of liquids