Norovirus

Why in News:

Recently, more than 90 cases of stomach infection caused by norovirus have been reported in the United States. In India too, a few cases have been reported in Kerala.

About Norovirus:

• Norovirus is a highly contagious virus also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’.
• It can spread through contaminated food, water and surfaces.
• Norovirus is similar to rotavirus which causes diarrhea and infects people of all age groups.
  • Disease outbreaks commonly occur on cruise ships, nursing homes, hostels and other enclosed spaces.
• According to the World Health Organization, “norovirus infection is associated with intestinal inflammation and malnutrition that may lead to long-term morbidity”.

Symptoms of Norovirus:

• The initial symptom of norovirus is diarrhea, which appears a day or two after exposure to the virus.
• Other symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches. In severe cases, lack of fluids can lead to dehydration.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Norovirus:

• Doctors say the disease resolves on its own. But the infection causes a lot of harm to the patient.
• In most cases, young people can recover with adequate rest and plenty of water intake.
• The disease is diagnosed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. There is no vaccine available for this disease yet.
• Maintaining hydration is important in the acute phase of the disease. In severe cases, patients must be given rehydration fluids intravenously.