The Norovirus outbreak has been reported in Kerala on Monday. The infection has been confirmed in two schoolchildren of class I and class II at Bhavan’s Adarsha Vidyalaya, Kakkanad.
Nearly 62 students, belonging to class I and class II along with some parents have shown symptoms of Norovirus. Their samples were sent to the State Public Lab for testing. Three students are under observation, their condition is said to be stable.
The school has declared a holiday for classes 1 to 5 following the outbreak. All the classes will be held online till January 25th.
The district administration has started an awareness program in the wake of the virus outbreak. Classrooms and toilets in the school were disinfected. According to the District Medical Officer, “the disease could be cured within a short span of time with proper treatment and precaution.”
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with the diesease. The virus spreads through the fecal-oral route. Infection occurs either through direct consumption of contaminated food.
How does it spread?
- Direct contact with an infected person
- Consuming contaminated food or water
Symptoms of Norovirus
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
How to prevent Norovirus?
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Clean surfaces
- Avoid eating outside
- Cook meat thoroughly
- Use Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Keep bathroom and toilet clean