Why in the News?
Recently, many cases of Norovirus have been reported in te USA, especially in Minnesota.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus, also known as ‘Norwalk virus’, ‘winter vomiting disease’ and ‘stomach flu’ is a highly transmissible virus that causes gastroenteritis, characterised by inflammation of the stomach and intestine.
Norovirus gets its name from Norwalk, Ohio, where a significant outbreak was first identified in 1968. Each year, the virus is responsible for approximately 685 million cases of illness and 2,00,000 deaths worldwide. Infections are more prevalent during the winter months and occur frequently in both developed and developing countries.
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Its Symptoms-
Norovirus targets the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as severe diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and nausea. Fever or headaches may also occur. These symptoms often appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last for up to three days.
How Does Norovirus Spread?
The virus is notoriously easy to transmit, which contributes to its rapid spread during outbreaks. Common transmission routes include:
Person-to-person contact: Direct interaction with an infected individual, especially in crowded places.
Contaminated food and water: Consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish, salads or any food handled by infected individuals can lead to infection.
Surfaces: Touching contaminated surfaces and then your mouth can introduce the virus to your body.
Why Is Norovirus So Persistent?
Norovirus’s resilience lies in its ability to survive on surfaces for extended periods and resist common disinfectants. Moreover, the virus’s genetic variability allows it to evade human immunity, making repeat infections possible. This means that even individuals who have previously experienced a norovirus infection can become infected again.
Preventing Norovirus Infection-
While there is no specific treatment or vaccine for norovirus, prevention is possible through meticulous hygiene and food safety practices. Key measures include:
Frequent handwashing: Wash hands with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food. additionally, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not as effective against norovirus.
Disinfecting surfaces: Use bleach-based cleaners to sanitize areas prone to contamination.
Proper food handling: Avoid preparing food if you are sick and ensure shellfish is cooked thoroughly.
Being hydrated: Focus on staying hydrated to combat dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Oral rehydration solutions can help restore lost electrolytes.
Isolating the sick: Keep infected individuals away from communal settings until 48 hours after symptoms resolve.
Conclusion-
Stopping norovirus outbreaks requires a multifaceted approach. This includes educating the public, ensuring strict food safety and ongoing research for vaccines and treatments. Crucially, personal hygiene and vigilance are key to preventing its spread. Recent outbreaks highlight the need for preparedness and proactive actions to mitigate the virus’s impact.