UK reports cases of ‘Norovirus’ infection

The United Kingdom, is now reporting an outbreak of norovirus. Public Health England (PHE) recently issued a warning regarding Norovirus. Since the end of the month of May, England has recorded 154 cases of norovirus in the country. Increase in norovirus cases in educational settings has been reported.

About Norovirus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is very contagious that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. People suffering from norovirus disease can shed billions of virus particles. And to make people sick only a few of them is required.

How is Norovirus contracted?

A person can contract this virus by coming in direct contact with an infected person. This virus can also be contracted by consuming contaminated water and food and also touching contaminated surfaces with one’s hands and then putting them in the mouth unwashed.

Symptoms of norovirus

Symptoms of norovirus are vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and nausea. This virus can cause inflammation of intestines or the stomach and it is termed as acute gastroenteritis. Other symptoms of this virus are headache, fever and body aches. People generally develop the symptoms within 12 to 48 hours and they can last up to 1 to 3 days.

Can norovirus be contracted many times?

As there are various types of noroviruses hence, infection with one type of may not protect other types so it can be contracted multiple times. Possibility to develop immunity against norovirus is there but experts have not yet able to determine the longevity of the immunity.

How can norovirus spread be stopped?

By practicing hand hygiene, i.e. washing of hands before preparing, eating or handling food etc. Experts say that norovirus can stay in human vomit or faeces for two weeks or more. Alcohol based hand sanitizers should be used to keep ones hands clean.

Treatment

There is no specific medicine for this virus. Experts have suggested drinking plenty of liquids to replace the fluids lost from diarrhoea and vomiting so as to prevent dehydration.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2021