Norovirus outbreak reported in UK. What is that?

The UK, which is already seeing an increase in coronavirus cases amid an easing of borders, has now reported an outbreak of norovirus.

Public Health England (PHE) has issued a warning after recently seeing an increase in infections.

But what exactly is norovirus? How is it spread and what are its symptoms? We answer your questions.

How many cases have been found?

In the past five weeks since the end of May, 154 cases of norovirus have been reported in England, according to PHE.

The numbers are three times higher than those recorded during the same period in the previous five years, the health body said.

Most of the surge has occurred in educational institutions, especially nurseries and day care centers.

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that typically causes vomiting and diarrhea in patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Anyone can be infected and sick.

It is also commonly referred to as the “winter vomiting bug”.

Infected people can release billions of viral particles and only a few of them can make other people sick, according to the CDC.

How is it spread?

You can get this virus by: 1) having direct contact with an infected person, 2) consuming contaminated food or water, and 3) touching contaminated surfaces, then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth. for eating or other activities.

What are the symptoms?

According to information provided by the CDC, the most common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.

Other symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches.

The virus can also cause inflammation of the stomach or intestines, a condition called acute gastroenteritis.

Symptoms start to appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and usually last between one and three days.

How to prevent norovirus?

Experts say maintaining good hand hygiene is imperative to avoid catching norovirus. In addition to soap and water, you can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before preparing and eating them.

Do not cook food for others when you are sick for at least two days after symptoms stop.

Thoroughly clean and disinfect the surfaces of your home.

Is there a specific treatment?

There is not yet a specific drug or treatment for norovirus. Experts recommend drinking plenty of water and other fluids to replace fluids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea and to prevent dehydration. You can also take medicines prescribed by your doctor to manage fever / body pain.