Every winter and spring are the peak seasons for norovirus epidemics.
This virus may seem unfamiliar, but in fact it is a common virus. Currently, norovirus is the second most common cause of viral diarrhea in children after rotavirus. pathogen.
Since 2012, Norovirus has also become the dominant pathogen of infectious diarrheal disease outbreaks in my country, accounting for 60%-96%, especially in the winter of 2014 Since then, outbreaks of norovirus variants have also gradually increased.
Some students and staff of China Agricultural University infected with norovirus
According to media reports, China Agricultural University recently issued an “Emergency Notice” stating:
Recently, some students and staff in the West Campus suddenly felt unwell, and had symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting at the same time. The school immediately organized an investigation and quarantined the patients in a timely manner.
After verification by the disease control department, the discomfort was mainly caused by norovirus infection in winter and spring. At present, under the professional guidance of the disease control department, the school has launched an emergency plan, and carried out epidemiological studies at the same time. Investigate and conduct a comprehensive disinfection of the sick place.
Norovirus, what kind of virus is it?
Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus, belongs to the Norovirus genus in the human Caliciviridae family.
Infection with this virus results in viral gastroenteritis, which is also the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide.
As a virus, it has the following characteristics:
This virus is very contagious, and it also has the ability to mutate quickly, adapt to the environment with strong resistance, short incubation period after infection, long detoxification time, and diversified transmission routes. Features.
1. Highly contagious
Norovirus is highly contagious, requiring small amounts (10-100 virus particles) to cause infection.
2. Vitality
Norovirus is not only resistant to low temperature and acid, and is not easy to be inactivated. Even at room temperature of 25°C, low acid pH 2.7 in the environment for 3 hours, or low temperature of 4°C , 20% ether for 18 hours, norovirus was still infectious.
3. Fast mutation rate
Norovirus mutates at an accelerated rate, with new global mutated strains added every 2-3 years.
4. Repeatable infections
Immune protection typically lasts 6-24 months after norovirus infection, so the same individual can repeat the same or different strains even if they have been previously infected with norovirus of norovirus.
How does Norovirus get infected?
It is usually transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Since norovirus is highly contagious, the patient’s feces and vomitus contain large amounts of the virus. Even if symptoms have improved, infection fecal transmission of the virus for 1-4 weeks.
At the same time, the patient’s vomit also carries norovirus. These viruses will form tiny droplets, splash on the surface of people or objects, and then pass through other people’s oral mucosa, hand-mouth contact strong>Wait to be infected.
Even people who handle food and water without washing their hands can spread the virus.
Therefore, food and beverages are often the route of transmission, and some seafood, such as oysters, are also transmitted through infected water sources.
What is the best treatment for norovirus infection?
After being infected with norovirus, the symptoms of the infected person are different, so be sure to treat the symptoms under the guidance of a doctor.
If severe diarrhea, vomiting occurs, oral rehydration salts or intravenous fluids are required to avoid dehydration.
For patients with very severe diarrhea, it can also be used under the guidance of a doctor. Appropriate oral montmorillonite powder can relieve constipation and promote the rapid excretion of the virus.
Patients must do a good job of nursing in all aspects of life while receiving regular treatment. They must add more boiled water every day, which can effectively prevent dehydration.
The diet should be based on liquid or semi-liquid foods, such as rice soup or porridge. During the onset of the disease, try not to go out, let alone excessive fatigue, it is best to stay in bed and improve the indoor environment.
References:
[1] Liao Qiaohong, Ran Lu, Jin Sen, et al. Technical Guidelines for Outbreak Investigation and Prevention and Control of Norovirus Infection (2015 Edition)[J] .Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2016,50 (1):7-16.