Norovirus the Epidemiology

Contagion: the infection of norovirus spreads by the faeco-oral route. It spreads predominantly by the fecal matter and vomit droplets of infected people. Norovirus can spread through direct body contact with the infected material or it can spread via air in the droplet form (vomit or fecal droplet). If infected people handle food like cook or serve, they will be spreading the infection to unsuspecting individuals who will consume that food, especially if the food is undercooked.

Contamination with the norovirus however can be avoided easily by adhering to the hygiene rules staunchly. Washing one’s hands properly after going to the toilet; cooking all foods properly and thoroughly; and ensuring that the hands are washed properly before cooking and serving food. People who suffer from the attack of norovirus must not cook or serve food for anyone but himself or herself.

Not observing the necessary precautions may lead to severe consequences, like an outbreak of an epidemic. The health of people cooking and serving many people at one time like the hotels and restaurants, schools, collage mesh or cafeteria, and also offices should be checked periodically as presence of affected people under those circumstances will give rise to epidemics and may lead to close down of those people.

Gastroenteritis caused 4.6 million deaths in children worldwide and mostly in the developing countries. The current survey updates this figure as 2.4 to 2.9 million deaths per annum. However this number is on the decrease as the global program on rehydration therapy has shown its effect. The incidence in the developed countries is as high as 1.00 to 2.5 cases per child per annum and is a major cause of hospitalizations in children.

Age, living conditions, maintenance of proper hygiene, and cultural habits are major causes of gastroenteritis. It is only with proper care and awareness that this malady can be prevented.