Norovirus belongs to the caliciviridae family and is one of the common pathogens causing acute gastroenteritis. It has the characteristics of low infection dose, long detoxification time, strong resistance to the external environment, etc. It is easy to cause gastroenteritis outbreaks in relatively closed environments such as schools and childcare institutions. The peak season for Norovirus infection is from October to March, and the population is generally susceptible. Cluster epidemic occur mainly in crowded places such as schools and childcare institutions. As the primary and secondary school semesters in Beijing started, the risk of transmission of Norovirus in schools and childcare institutions has increased. Beijing 120 reminds you that when school starts in spring, it is necessary to pay attention to the prevention of Norovirus gastroenteritis. The incubation period for Norovirus infection is usually 24 to 48 hours. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Some patients have headache, chills, and muscle aches. Children usually vomit and adults usually have diarrhea with watery stools. Norovirus is transmitted in a variety of ways, mainly through ingestion of food or water contaminated with faeces or vomit, contact with the faeces or vomit of a patient, inhalation of aerosols produced when vomiting, and indirect contact with objects and environments contaminated with faeces or vomit. Norovirus gastroenteritis is a self-limiting disease for which there are currently no effective antiviral medicine. Most patients have mild symptoms after onset, and there is no need for treatment. The patients usually recover after 2 to 3 days of rest. Oral sugar saline or oral rehydration salts can be used to replace the water consumed by vomiting and diarrhea. For infants, young children, and the elderly, especially the elderly with underlying diseases, such as frequent vomiting or diarrhea, dehydration and other serious symptoms, should be treated in time.
How to prevent Norovirus infection for individuals and families?
1. Hand hygiene. It requires to wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. It is important to note that alcohol-based disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers are not effective against Norovirus, which are not substitutions for hand washing.
2. Food and water hygiene. It is recommended to avoid drinking raw water. It is necessary to wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly, and cook food, especially shellfish and other seafood, completely.
3. Patients should be isolated at home as much as possible to avoid infecting others. Patients with Norovirus infection should perform quarantine as much as possible 3 days after recovery. Mild patients could stay at home or in the epidemic institution, and severe patients should be sent to medical institutions for isolation treatment.
4. Environmental cleaning and disinfection. It is suggested to keep the indoor temperature suitable and open the windows regularly for ventilation. Environments and objects contaminated with the patient's vomit or feces need to be disinfected with chlorine-containing preparations. It is necessary to wear plastic gloves and masks when cleaning items contaminated with vomit to avoid direct contact. The patient's home environment should also be disinfected according to the guidance of medical staff to avoid transmission within the family.
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle including the regular balance of work and rest, reasonable diet, and moderate exercise could enhance the body's resistance to viruses.