Norovirus

Why in news?

• A new viral outbreak called Norovirus has been on a surge in the United Kingdom.

About the virus:

• Norovirus, sometimes referred to as the winter vomiting bug, is the most common cause of gastroenteritis.
• Infection is characterized by non-bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.[2][3] Fever or headaches may also occur.
• Symptoms usually develop 12 to 48 hours after being exposed, and recovery typically occurs within 1 to 3 days.
• Complications are uncommon, but may include dehydration, especially in the young, the old, and those with other health problems.
• No vaccine or specific antiviral treatment is available for treating Norovirus infection.

Transmission and prevention:

• The virus is usually spread by the fecal–oral route and this may be through contaminated food or water or person-to-person contact.
• It may also spread via contaminated surfaces or through air from the vomit of an infected person.
• Risk factors include unsanitary food preparation and sharing close quarters.
• Prevention involves proper hand washing and disinfection of contaminated surfaces.
• Management involves supportive care such as drinking sufficient fluids or intravenous fluids.
• Norovirus results in about 685 million cases of disease and 200,000 deaths globally a year and  is common both in the developed and developing world.
• Those under the age of five are most often affected, and in this group it results in about 50,000 deaths in the developing world. outbreaks.

Prelims Question:

Consider the following statements regarding Noro virus:
1.It has high mortality rates.
2.It is spread only by the exchange of bodily fluids.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
(a)1 only 
(b)2 only 
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question