Norovirus Infection

Why in News?

Recently, the norovirus cases are raising in the United States (US).

• Norovirus – It is a highly contagious virus, an influenza virus.
• Winter vomiting bug – Since norovirus is most common during winter like bugs, it is called as Winter Vomiting Bug.
• Risk factors – All age groups get infected but more vulnerable are children younger than 5 years old, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
• Transmitted through – Contaminated food due to consumption of raw, oysters and other filter-feeding shellfish, water and surfaces
  • Primary transmission route – Oral-faecal.

• Incubation period – It develops in 1 or 2 days after exposure.
• Symptoms – Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain and dehydration (loss of body fluids).
  • Other symptoms – Fever, headache and body aches.

Norovirus is also called as Stomach Flu or Stomach Bug owing to its common symptoms associated with stomach.

Norovirus were previously known as Norwalk virus, was 1^st identified in stool specimens collected during an outbreak of gastroenteritis in Norwalk city, United States.

• No treatment – There are no vaccines available for the disease And even antibiotic drugs do not help to treat norovirus infections.
• Precautions - Washing hands repeatedly with soap after using the lavatory or changing diapers.

References

1. The Indian Express| Spread of Norovirus in US
2. CDC| Norovirus