What is Norovirus Infection?
Posted by Healthfitline
On
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Norovirus is a type of virus that is responsible for causing gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the intestines and stomach, characterized by diarrhea and vomiting. The incubation period of noravirus is between 24-48 hours but symptoms may start appearing as early as 12 hours after exposure. Noroviruses usually spread through food like oysters, raw salads, water that has been contaminated with faeces. It can also spread via close contact with an infected person.
Norovirus Risk Factors
- Individuals with compromised immune system.
- People working in hospitals, nursing homes and other closed environment.
- Age - more severe in young children and elderly.
- Frequent travellers staying in hotels, resorts and other closed places.
- People who do not practice proper hygiene.
- People who are fond of not using proper protection while handling wastes and soiled items.
- People living in crowded places without adequate sanitation.
Norovirus Symptoms
The following are signs and symptoms of Norovirus infection;
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting (vomiting may be projectile)
- Weight loss
- Abdominal cramps
- Malaise
- Diarrhea - no presence of blood in diarrhea.
- Symptoms may last anywhere between 24 to 72 hours but diarrhea may last longer. However, patients may still be contagious 3 days after all the symptoms have disappeared.
Norovirus Diagnosis
Norovirus is diagnosed by the looking at the presenting clinical symptoms and stool testing. Stool testing help in identifying the cause of infection (bacteria or virus). The two tests that are commonly used are; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) - used to detect norovirus antigens (less common) and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) - used to detect norovirus nucleic acid (most common).
Norovirus Treatment and Management
Norovirus is a viral infection, hence it is self limiting. How long it takes to heal depends on the immunity and the overall health status of an individual. Any treatment given is geared towards correcting or preventing dehydration. For patients who can tolerate oral fluids, they are encouraged to drink a lot of water. For patients who cannot tolerate oral fluids, they may need to be hospitalized for intravenous fluid and electrolytes replacement.
Norovirus Complications
In most cases, norovirus usually heal on its own after a few days. However, the infection my sometimes lead to serious complication, especially in children and elderly. Complications associated with Norovirus infection include; malnutrition, severe dehydration that may lead to hypotension, electrolyte imbalance and eventually to system collapse.
Norovirus Prognosis
The condition is usually self-limiting and it has no lasting effects. In most people, the infection usually clears up after 2-3 days and any complication usually arise from severe dehydration.
Norovirus Prevention
The following are some of the measures that you can take to prevent getting infected or spreading the infection;
- Use of disinfectants on all soiled areas and other areas where a patient may have come into contact.
- Observing proper hygiene while handling food.
- For infected individuals working in food settings, they should not be allowed to handle food until after 3 days after symptoms have disappeared..
- Rest when sick - This is important to minimize the spread of infection to others.
- Health education about the nature of the infection.
- Drink purified or mineral water.
- Avoiding raw foods like salad or shellfish, especially during Norovirus outbreaks.
- Use of proper protection while cleaning toilets and other soiled areas.
- Implementation of strict control measures in hospitals and other health settings.
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