Several warnings and guidelines have been issued in Kerala after thirteen students of a veterinary college were confirmed to be infected with Norovirus in the Wayanad district. The virus is a highly contagious stomach bug that causes a range of symptoms.
About two weeks ago, the Norovirus was reported in 13 students of a veterinary college in Pookode, near Vythiri in Wayanad.
Though the situation has been brought under control and no further spread has been reported, health officials have stated that they are preparing a data bank of veterinary science college
students as part of preventive measures, in addition to holding an awareness class.
According to veterinary college officials, the infection was discovered in students living in hostels outside of campus. The health authorities collected samples quickly and sent them
to NIV in Alappuzha for testing.
Preventive measures, such as super chlorination, are being implemented, said State Health Minister Veena George.
What is Norovirus?
Also known as vomiting bug, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) US has declared Norovirus to be very contagious causing vomiting and diarrhoea.
According to the CDC, it is spread by direct contact with an infected person, eating contaminated food, touching a contaminated surface, and putting unwashed hands in the mouth. People
who have norovirus can shed billions of virus particles, but only a few of these can get other people sick.
Symptoms of Norovirus
Four common symptoms of the Norovirus infection are- Diarrhea, Vomiting, Nausea, and Stomach pain.
Besides these, fever, headaches, and body pains are also considered the symptoms of Norovirus. The infection causes Acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach or intestines).
After contracting the virus, a person starts to show symptoms 12 to 48 hours later, and most people recover in one to three days.
Preventive measures
Norovirus can be prevented from spreading by washing your hands thoroughly, rinsing fruits and vegetables, and staying at home for at least two days after symptoms have stopped.
Similarity to Covid19 virus
- Like Coronavirus, Norovirus too can be asymptomatic in some patients.
- Norovirus too mutates rapidly. Sometimes, even standard testing kits can’t recognise the mutated strains of the virus.
- Just like covid, norovirus is highly contagious as it too spreads around and sticks onto the surface.
There is no particular treatment to treat norovirus, according to the CDC.
To minimize dehydration, those infected with this virus should consume enough liquids to restore the fluid lost via vomiting and diarrhoea.