News Crisps - Norovirus: India on Alert

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is the most common cause of gastroenteritis. The Norovirus infection is caused and spread by contaminated food and water. This causes a person to develop symptoms such as vomiting, loose motion, nausea, stomach ache, headaches, body pain, and fever, and could be admitted to the hospital. If this virus is to be neglected, it could be lethal.

The State Health Department of Karnataka has issued fresh directories for the bordering states of Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada after 13 cases were detected. The cases were detected amongst students of a veterinary college at Pookode in the Wayanad district of Kerala in October end. The Kerala government has advised its residents to be on high alert.

The directory also instructs the appointment of a physician as a nodal officer in every district to handle the situation properly. The state has advised the District Health and Family Welfare department officers as well to further handle the situation. The health department officials have asked to gather the sources of drinking water and test the contents in them.

Fin.