57 people in St. Mary’s College hostel, Thrissur were infected with Norovirus. 54 students and three staff members were diagnosed with the disease. A health team led by the District Medical Officer inspected the hostel and its surroundings. On the 24th, eight students sought treatment at the Thrissur General Hospital. The blood, faeces and urine of the infected were collected and sent to Alappuzha Virology Lab for virus testing and to Thrissur Medical College for bacteriological testing. The ‘Noro’ virus was confirmed in a test conducted at the Alappuzha Virology Lab.
The DMO said the infection was caused by drinking water. Dr. NK The father-in-law said. The DMO says it is a common disease and precautions should be taken to prevent dehydration. No one was allowed to leave the hostel until the infection was completely under control. If children from other districts have gone home, the information should be reported to the District Medical Officer.
What is Norovirus:
According to CDC Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus. Norovirus outbreaks are common and the virus spreads easily & quickly from infected people to others and through contaminated foods & surfaces. Outbreaks are moslty happen from November to April. One can get infected with norovirus from:
- Having direct contact with an infected person
- Consuming contaminated food or water
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth
Norovirus Symptoms:
The common symptoms of Norovirus are
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
How to Prevent Norovirus:
To protect yourself from norovirus, you should
- Wash your hands often
- Rinse fruits and vegetables
- Cook shellfish thoroughly
- Stay home when sick and for two days after symptoms stop
- Avoid preparing food for others when sick and for two days after symptoms stop.
