Norovirus

Norovirus

Noroviruses refer to a group name of associated RNA viruses that have lately been categorized into the Caliciviridae family and fall under the Norovirus genus group. Noroviruses are the primary source of acute gastroenteritis or stomach flu found in human beings. Based on the capsid protein classification, the viruses are divided again into other six other genogroups referred to as GI to GVI. The most circulating norovirus genotype among the population of human beings is the GII, which result in almost ninety-five percent of the disease. Norovirus are a little bit smaller virus compared to other viruses found in the family of Caliciviridae having a diameter of around 27nm. When norovirus is viewed under a microscope, its edges are not defined well. However, the virus shape is round, single-stranded, non-enveloped positive-sense RNA. The dominant viruses are replaced after every two to three years because of norovirus antigenic and recombination drift, whereby the new variant can re-infect the organism that was previously immune to it. The virus remains very infectious at low pH values. The virus becomes active under wet room temperature. The infection can occur at any particular time of the year. However, in climates that are temperate, it is mostly common during winter. Noroviruses are protected from the environment by the protein capsid. Therefore, they can survive in groundwater, seawater, fresh water, under specified laboratory conditions and soil for an unspecified duration.

The symptom associated with norovirus includes vomiting, nausea, watery diarrhea, low-grade fever, stomach cramping, muscle ache, headache, or chills (Schaechter, Engleberg, DiRita, & Dermody, 2013). The person may feel tired. The infected person’s stool might contain mucus, the individual may feel tachycardia, malaise, and adults might become thirsty. Children might not complain that they are thirst but might look exhausted, or listless. Also, children might look abnormally sleepy and cry but with no tears. Pregnant women and the elderly would appear debilitated. Vomiting and diarrhea may cause the victim to be dehydrated. Therefore, making the victim to urinate less, they might feel dizzy when they try to stand up. Also, dehydration may cause the victim to have a dry throat or mouth. It is important to note that norovirus symptoms normally last for one to around three days.
Outbreaks of Noroviruses commonly occur in semi-closed societies or areas. For example, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, dining locations, military setting, daycare centers, disaster evacuation or relief sites, vacation venues, and cruise ships. During the year, the outbreaks might occur at any time. However, they are more common during the winter seasons. The noroviruses are more persistence to their environment. Therefore, outbreaks caused by the norovirus can take a longer duration before fully being treated. For example, it can last for more than three months. Every year, there are approximately over 21 million occurrences of severe gastroenteritis such as stomach or intestine inflammations or the person may suffer from both. Norovirus can lead to nearly 700, 000 people being admitted to the hospital. Similarly, research shows that around 800 people die yearly because of the norovirus. The elderly and young children are the most affected people by the virus. However, it can affect any individual despite their age group. Norovirus are very transmissible and can be easily transmitted through the individual coming into contact with water or food sources that are contaminated. Also, close contact with a person who has norovirus such as sharing food or caring for the infected individual or using utensils with a person who has been infected with the norovirus (Schaechter, Engleberg, DiRita, & Dermody, 2013). Also, breathing the air whereby the infected person vomited despite the fact that it has been cleaned can cause norovirus infection. Touching contaminated objects or surfaces then the person puts the fingers in their mouth. The virus can be aerosolized when the infected person vomits. Also, transmission through the air could occur if the toilet flush has diarrhea or vomits of the infected person.
Research shows that there is no particular medication or treatment for norovirus. There are no available vaccines to stop or prevent infection from Norovirus. Antibiotics cannot treat infections caused by norovirus. The reason being antibiotics are meant to fight and treat bacteria’s but not viruses. It is significant for the infected person to remain hydrated by drinking many fluids in case they have diarrhea or are vomiting. Fluids that the individual takes should contain sugars and electrolytes such as oral rehydration solutions, juices, or water. The person can also take antidiarrheal medicine as directed by the physician or pharmacists (Schaechter, Engleberg, DiRita, & Dermody, 2013). However, the infected person should stop using the drugs in case they have a severe fever or abdominal pain. The infected person can also take antiemetic’s to relief himself from vomiting and nausea. Also, they can use analgesic to assist in reducing headaches and myalgias. Likewise, the person may use electrolyte resuscitation and intravenous fluids in case the condition of the infected individual increases due to the volume of depletion.
Several ways can be used to prevent the occurrence of the infection. For example, people should wash their hands thoroughly under running water with soap for nearly 20 seconds after going to the toilet or changing the child’s diaper. Immediate disinfection or disposal of materials and objects that are contaminated using a household cleaner, which is bleach-based. Instantly, wash the linen or clothing that might be contaminated with the norovirus using hot water. Individuals should avoid sharing flannels and towels. People should wash all vegetables and fruits well before eating or cooking them. It is important before eating oyster the person should steam them. Also, ensure that the Oyster is obtained from a certified reliable source because oysters tend to carry nonviruses. The sick person should not avoid going to school or work for approximately 48 hours after the last symptom has been treated. The sick individual should not visit the hospital during the healing period. Discard or flash any stool or vomitus in the toilet. Also, keep the surrounding place clean. The sick person should be isolated for around 48 hours after the confirmation that they have been cured of the last signs or symptoms of the disease. Individuals should observe high hygiene while processing food or food items. Infected food handlers should be removed from where food is being prepared or served.
The prognosis of the infection is excellent. The reason being almost all infected individuals recovers fully without having any form of a long-term sequel. Reason being the disease lasts for only a maximum of three days in nearly all people. Research shows that most complications are associated with underlying illnesses or dehydration. In some nations whereby they have problems with hydration among children, most of them die because of dehydration, if replenishments are not available. However, the elderly, immunocompromised patients, and children are the ones who are vulnerable to complications. The World Health Organization in 2006, recommended that Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) be prepackaged then transported to underdeveloped nations for the infected individuals pour into clean water and minimize dehydration among patients. The approach has caused a lot of improvement among developing countries children’s prognosis.
References
Schaechter, M., Engleberg, N. C., DiRita, V. J., & Dermody, T. (2013). Schaechter’s mechanisms of microbial disease. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.