Kochi: Kerala was put on alert after several cases of norovirus were confirmed in Wayanad district.
State Health minister Veena George on Friday advised people to be vigilant and issued guidelines on norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug which causes several complications, reported Hindustan Times.
An animal-borne disease transmitted through contaminated water and food, norovirus was reported recently in 13 students of a veterinary college in Wayanad.
“Currently there is no cause for concern but everyone should be vigilant. Activities including super chlorination are underway. Drinking water sources need to be ensured to be hygienic,” the minister said.
She added that the disease can be cured quickly with proper prevention and treatment. “Everyone should be aware of the disease and its means of prevention,” she added.
Norovirus symptoms
Some common symptoms of this rare virus are diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, high temperature, headache and body aches.
Effects of norovirus
Norovirus leads to gastrointestinal illness, severe vomiting and diarrhoea. It can turn serious in young children, people with comorbidities and the elderly. It is transmitted through close contact with infected people, or by touching contaminated surfaces. It also spreads through excrement and vomit of an infected person.
Guidelines to prevent norovirus
Kerala health ministry has issued guidelines asking those infected with norovirus to rest at home, drink oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and boiled water. People should wash their hands with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet. Those who interact with animals should pay special attention. Drinking water sources, wells and storage tanks must be chlorinated with bleaching powder, and people must use chlorinated water for domestic use. Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed before eating. Sea fish, crab and mussels must be eaten only after they are well cooked. Stale and exposed foods must be avoided.
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