Causative & risk factors
Noroviruses are transmitted through consumption of contaminated food or water. Eating raw or uncooked food infected with noroviruses can also transmit the infection. Sometimes infection can occur as a result of touching infected objects and later touching your nose or mouth. You can even get the infection by coming in physical contact with an infected person. Immumo-compromised persons are at a higher risk of catching norovirus infection.
Clinical presentation
Individuals infected with norovirus will develop pain in the abdomen and watery diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting are usually present. Some patients might develop a low-grade fever with chills. Other non-specific symptoms such as headache, weakness and myalgia may develop.
When the diarrhea and vomiting are extremely profuse, the patient can go into severe dehydration.
Investigations
Gastroenteritis can be diagnosed on the basis of symptoms of the patient and a physical examination. A stool test may be recommended to confirm the causative organism.
Treatment
Infection with norovirues in an otherwise healthy individual is usually self-limiting. Supportive measures such as rest, plenty of fluids and pain-killer drugs may be prescribed. Oral rehydration solutions are recommended in children. Individuals with severe dehydration need intravenous fluids.
In order to prevent the spread of norovirus infections, it is necessary to practice hygiene in preparing and consuming food. Frequent hand washing is recommended after coming in contact with any infected person or when in crowded areas.
