Two students studying in Class 1 at a school in Kerala’s Ernakulam are reported to have tested positive for Norovirus, which is a contagious gastrointestinal illness. The Kerala government has confirmed this and officials said the school in question has announced closure, reports said.
The condition of the infected children is stated to be stable, a report in The Indian Express said.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a zoonotic and contagious virus that is known to cause diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever. The virus does not last in the body for more than two to three days, but can make the infected persons dehydrated and have other severe effects. Since the virus affects the gastrointestinal system, it is also referred to as 'stomach flu'. "One can get Norovirus infection several times in their lives as there are different types of this virus and infection from one, does not provide protection from the rest of them” the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on its website.
Symptoms Of The Disease
An infected person can suffer from diarrhoea, vomiting, headache, stomach cramps, body ache and fever and chills. The infected person will have severe dehydration and may have to be administered rehydration fluids through drip or other methods. The symptoms can appear within 12 hours of exposure to the virus or even after a day or two.
Causes Of The Disease
The virus is contagious and is spread through the consumption of contaminated water or food. One can also get infected by coming in contact with an infected person.
Prevention Of The Disease
One must wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them. People should keep their surroundings hygienic and frequently wash hands. If a person is having the symptoms of Norovirus, they should quarantine themselves at home.
Who Is At Risk?
This virus can affect anyone, but mostly young children, old people and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk of contracting the virus. Drinking a lot of fluids help fight the virus better.