2 Norovirus cases get confirmed in Kerala

New Delhi: Two cases of highly contagious norovirus were confirmed in Kerala in two school students, and State Health Minister Veena George has urged the public to maintain hygiene, stressing that the virus could spread through contaminated food, water and surfaces, NDTV reported.

The norovirus was detected in students who complained of food poisoning.

The virus is similar to rotavirus, which causes diarrhoea. Norovirus is a viral illness that is attributed to the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Symptoms of the disease include acute onset of diarrhoea, vomiting, headaches and body ache.

In case of extreme illness, a fluid loss could occur, leading to dehydration, the state health department cautioned. The department advised people to maintain the habit of regular washing of hands, especially after using toilets.

There is also evidence that the virus infection could cause intestinal inflammation, malnutrition and long term illness.

The health department added that the first documented norovirus outbreak in Kerala was reported in the Alappuzha district in June 2021. Nearly 950 positive cases of norovirus were reported then in Alappuzha municipality and nearby panchayats, and the episode lasted for a month, NDTV reports.