Norovirus is a type of small, round virus with a high infectious and resistant capacity and is able to remain on surfaces where the infected person has been in contact, facilitating transmission to others. This virus can be found in contaminated food and water and is an important factor contributing to viral gastroenteritis in adults, unlike rotavirus, which infects children more often.
Symptoms of norovirus infection include severe diarrhea followed by vomiting and often fever. This gastroenteritis is usually treated by resting and drinking a lot of fluid, this is because the virus has a high mutation capacity, that is, there are several types of norovirus and its control is difficult.
- Norovirus infection causes serious symptoms that can lead to dehydration.
- The main symptoms of norovirus infection are:.
Symptoms usually appear 24 to 48 hours after infection and last 1 to 3 days, but it is still possible to transmit the virus to others up to 2 days after symptoms have disappeared. Learn how to identify viral gastroenteritis.
The main route of transmission of norovirus is fecal-oral, in which the person becomes infected by consuming food and water contaminated with the virus, in addition to transmission by contact with contaminated surfaces or direct contact with the infected person. . In addition, more rarely, transmission of norovirus can occur through the release of aerosols in vomiting.
There may be epidemics of this disease in closed environments, such as ships, schools, and hospitals, as there is no other way to spread the virus than the human organism. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly and avoid being in the same environment as the infected person.
There is no treatment for gastroenteritis caused by norovirus, and it is recommended to rest and drink many fluids to avoid dehydration. Pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen, may also be used.
Because there are several forms of norovirus due to several mutations, a vaccine against this virus has not yet been created, however, the possibility of developing a periodic vaccine, such as for influenza, is being considered.
The best way to avoid infection with this virus is to wash your hands before and after going to the bathroom and before handling food (fruits and vegetables), disinfect potentially infected objects and surfaces, avoid sharing towels and avoid food. raw and unwashed. Also, if you come into contact with the infected person, avoid putting them in your mouth, nose or eyes because they correspond to the gateway to the virus.