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Norovirus is one of the common causes of foodborne infections in humans. Hundreds of millions of infections are reported worldwide every year. What are noroviruses? What are their symptoms? How can you reduce the likelihood of a norovirus infection? For whom this infection may be particularly dangerous? We explain.
TOPR rescuers evacuated about 20 people from Wutang Valley on Sunday with symptoms such as diarrhea, weakness and vomiting. The cause of the symptoms is not yet clear, but research suggests that one of the teenagers was hospitalized with symptoms of poisoning after a trip to the Tatra Mountains. Norovirus detected – Dominika Łatak-Glonek of the Hygiene and Epidemiological Station of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, speaking to TVN24.
What are noroviruses and what is there to know about them?
Norovirus – What is it?
Norovirus, formerly known as Norwalk-like virus, belongs to the family of Caliciviruses. These are common viruses throughout the world and are one of the causes of viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract, the so-called stomach flu. World Health Organization The World Health Organization estimates that 685 million cases of norovirus infection are reported each year, 200 million of which are in children under five years of age. Infection can be fatal – it is estimated that norovirus causes around 200,000 cases and deaths each year.
How to get infected with norovirus? They spread, among other things, by contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces, such as toilets or furniture, by consuming contaminated food or water, and by inhaling virus particles floating in the air, for example in the vomit of a sick person.
“Norovirus infections occur frequently, especially in closed environments, including hospitals, nursing homes and kindergartens,” the General Health Inspectorate lists on its website. They have an incubation period of 24 to 48 hours and can survive on inanimate surfaces for up to seven days.
NorovirusShutterstock
Norovirus – Symptoms of infection
Norovirus is a common cause of foodborne infection in humans, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Less common symptoms include fever, chills and headache. As GIS emphasizes, “The illness is usually characterized by a mild course but may also develop suddenly and lead to severe dehydration.”
Recovery usually occurs within one to three days.
Norovirus – Symptoms of infectionShutterstock
Deaths from norovirus infections are relatively rare. However, the virus can be fatal, especially for older people or those with weakened immune systems. “Infants and the elderly are most at risk due to severe dehydration following norovirus infection,” explained professor Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska, a virologist at the Maria Curie Skłodowska University in Lublin, on social media.
Elderly people or those with weakened immune systems are most at riskShutterstock
How to protect yourself from norovirus
GIS lists three factors that can help reduce the risk of norovirus infection. This means strict adherence to personal hygiene rules, systematic disinfection of virus-contaminated surfaces, and proper hygiene during food preparation.
On this last point, it is worth remembering the rules for preventing infection and food poisoning established by the World Health Organization. “Five Steps to Safe Food” The principles are: keep food clean, separate raw and cooked food, cook food thoroughly, keep food at appropriate temperatures, and use safe water and food.
Five steps to safe food:Geographic Information Systems/World Health Organization
Main image source: Shutterstock
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