Norovirus: Kerala health department urges caution
Thiruvananthapuram: The state health department has urged the people to exercise caution after the state confirmed two norovirus cases following the Food poisoning incident at Thiruvananthapuram school.
According to health minister Veena George, the department has intensified the preventive measures to curtail the spread. She said that proper treatment will provide relief.
The norovirus which is also known as the 'winter vomiting bug' is highly infectious. The infection is caused and spread through contaminated food and water and it spreads easily among people. The disease can be fatal in children, the elderly and those with comorbidities.
The disease is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person, contaminated food or touching a contaminated surface, and putting unwashed hands in the mouth.
The person affected with the virus will develop symptoms of vomiting, loose motion, nausea, stomach ache, headache, body pain and fever. Lots of water should be consumed to prevent dehydration and patients must take rest at home. While some times, the patients will have to be admitted to the hospital. If neglected it will become fatal. The treatment for the infection is non-specific and the patient has to be treated for symptoms.
Hands must be washed properly before eating food and drinking water. Water tanks and wells should be chlorinated. Those who are handling animals must take extra care. The other things to do:
- Ensure personal hygiene and keep the surroundings clean
- Only drink water that is boiled
- Properly wash fruits and vegetables before use
- Don’t consume stale or exposed food items
- While preparing seafood items wash them properly