Norovirus is now wreaking havoc, cases of infection are increasing rapidly in this country

Concerns are growing in the US about the stomak infection norovirus, with more than 90 cases reported in the first week of December. Let's know how this disease can cause problems for you.

What is Norovirus: The US is currently seeing a surge in norovirus cases, with more than 90 infections reported in early December. A significant outbreak occurred at a restaurant in Los Angeles, where 80 people were infected by raw oysters imported from British Columbia, Canada. These oysters were distributed among 14 U.S. states before the recall was issued.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus, often called the 'winter vomiting bug', is a highly contagious stomac virus that spreads through contaminated food, water, or surfaces, mainly through the oral-fecal route. It can affect people of all ages and is a leading cause of foodborne disease in the US, accounting for 58% of cases annually. Outbreaks are extremely common in closed spaces such as cruise ships, nursing homes and dormitories.

Symptoms of Norovirus The symptoms of this virus usually appear 1-2 days after exposure and include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, headache and body ache. Dehydration can occur in severe cases, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly.

Measures to prevent it

If you want to prevent norovirus infection and outbreak, then you have to take special care of cleanliness. Let's know what you can do.

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap after using the toilet or before touching food.

2. Disinfect the surface using a hypochlorite solution of 5,000 ppm.

3. Avoid steam food or just rely on chlorinated water, as norovirus can withstand heat up to 60 degrees Celsius and resist many disinfectants.

4. During the outbreak, infected people should remain isolated, avoid food preparation, and continue this practice for two days after the symptoms subside.

Treatment and ways to manage it

Norovirus infections are generally self-limiting, lasting for 2-3 days. Your first focus should be on not letting the body lack water. For this, take oral fluids and in severe cases, intravenous rehydration is resorted to. So far, no vaccine of this virus has been prepared. As far as diagnosis is concerned, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction can detect this infection. The rise in the number of norovirus cases underscores the importance of awareness and strict hygiene practices to prevent its spread, which ensures public health safety during outbreaks.

Disclaimer: Dear reader, thank you for reading our news. This news has been written only for the purpose of making you aware. We have taken the help of home remedies and general information in writing it. If you read anything related to your health anywhere, then consult a doctor before adopting it.