Health Department said 62 students of Classes 1 and 2 of a Kakkanad school exhibited Norovirus symptoms; 2 tested positive.
Published Jan 23, 2023 | 8:10 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 23, 2023 | 8:33 PM
This illustration provides a 3D graphical representation of a single Norovirus virion. (Wikimedi Commons)
Norovirus, a cause of acute gastroenteritis, was confirmed in Kerala on Monday, 23 January.
According to the state Health Department, the virus was detected in two students of Classes 1 and 2 of a school in Kochi’s Kakkanad, and three children are under treatment.
The District Medical Officer (DMO) announced that awareness and preventive measures have been intensified by the Health Department and there is no cause to worry about those undergoing treatment.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), norovirus is a viral illness that is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis globally, with symptoms including the acute onset diarrhoea and vomiting.
“The health condition of the children is stable. Health Department personnel inspected the school, which is now temporarily closed. We are holding online awareness sessions with the children and parents. The classrooms and the toilets have now been sanitised,” the DMO said in a statement.
The statement also said a team from the District Health Department visited the site and awareness classes were being offered to the school students online.
Last year, two children were found infected with the same virus at Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Health Department on Monday said precautionary measures have been taken as the virus spreads through contaminated water and food.
The department said the disease is highly contagious and urged the people to maintain hygiene.
Norovirus can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, the Health Department said, adding that the initial symptoms are vomiting and/or diarrhoea, and head and body aches.
Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman and former president of the National IMA Covid Task Force said in a Tweet that the virus can cause large outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhoea.
He said the spread of the virus is usually witnessed in schools, cruise ships and care homes.
The transmission can be fast and the virus cannot be killed by sanitisers. However, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water gets rid of the virus.
“Only a few virus particles are needed to cause illness. Millions of virus particles shed due to GI (gastro intestinal) symptoms, easily stick to clothes, fingers, surfaces. Can even spread by aerosol if vomiting is severe, or after toilet flush. When fingers touch face or lips, virus enters,” read his Tweet.
He also said, people who have recovered can spread the virus for a few days and those who had it once can get it again as there is no sterilising immunity.
According to him, there are at least 32 genotypes, with new variants periodically replacing old ones and keeping oneself hydrated is key to overcoming the disease.
(With inputs from PTI)
