Norovirus -Know about this contagious RNA virus

A sudden surge in cases of Norovirus has been reported in 2021-2022. More than 100 cases of gastrointestinal illness were recorded according to the latest reports; the count increased to about 118 in the month of June. India reports two new cases of this illness, affecting two students in a school in Kerala. Reports state the reason to be due to the mid-day meal served in the school.

 

Overview of the virus

Norovirus originates in the human body from contaminated food and water. It can basically spread through the fecal-oral route which indicates the spread of the virus or the pathogenic viral particles from one’s feces to the mouth of another person. The Norovirus, as studied, have suggested that they are severely infectious. The spread of such a virus is also believed to be through the vomit of an infected person. Norovirus, commonly known to cause gastroenteritis, is sometimes termed a winter vomiting bug.  It is extremely contagious and can spread through coming in contact with merely about 20 particles of the viral substance.  Falling under the family Caliciviridae, this virus is a single-stranded RNA virus that can be categorized under 7 different subgroups (genogroups) based on their genetic makeup. The different genogroups are termed GI, GII, GIII, GIV, GV, GVI, and GVII. The most common subgroups of the Norovirus that lead to pathogenic infections in the human body are the GI and GII subgroups. – Acute gastroenteritis is caused mainly due to the GI and GII subgroups of the Norovirus under which a series of viral pathogens fall. The GI genogroup incorporates viruses such as Norwalk Virus, Southampton Virus, etc. whereas the GII genogroup incorporates viruses namely Mexico Virus, Hawaii Virus, Toronto Virus, and many more. Replication in viruses is seen to follow cytoplasmic mechanisms.

Loss of taste, lethargy, muscle aches, and fever can be some of the symptoms associated with Norovirus, along with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain in the abdomen. The severity caused due to infection caused as a result of Norovirus is rare. However, symptoms may worsen and- may lead to detrimental consequences if proper medication, dehydration, and balance of electrolytes in the body is neglected.

 

Recent updates

One recent case of infection of- Norovirus disease has been identified in Kerala in 2022. Two school-going students were found infected by this RNA virus. The Department of Health has issued provisions for examining more and more samples so as to put forth proper judgments on the cases. The examinations of the occurrence have stated that the prime cause of the spread of this viral disease must have been the mid-day meals served in the school. Kerala’s Education Minister, V Sivankutty, has arranged immediate meetings to discuss the cases and find out measures that need to be taken in order to provide a much more hygienic, and safer mid-day meal facility to students at schools. Health Minister of Kerala, Veena George in an interview with the press stated that- “Norovirus infection has been detected in two children and their health condition is stable. There is no need to be concerned at the moment but everyone should remain careful and maintain cleanliness.”

North Arizona’s national park released an alert (gastrointestinal illness alert) on May 20,  based on the reports that particular month. As reported by a public affairs specialist in the Grand Canyon National Park, Joelle Baird, hundreds of cases were reported. She also said – “We have had positive confirmation that a number of associated river trips have tested positive for norovirus. It’s hard to say if all the cases are linked to norovirus, but we have a good understanding right now that at least in the trips that have been tested that it’s norovirus, most likely,” A hiker from Arizona, Kristi Key reported seeing a vomiting hiker and calling for help while hiking on Boucher Trail in mid-May. In England, the resurgence of Norovirus was predicted to have occurred as a result of non-pharmaceutical interventions’ relaxation, associated with restrictions caused by Covid-19. A package of Non- Pharmaceutical Intervention (NPIs) was implemented by the government to reduce the burden of Corona infection. However, this resulted in the resurgence of other infections like Norovirus.

In the year 2021, statistical analysis of data in England’s hospitals showcased about 40,800 hospital episodes having Norovirus as a primary diagnosis and about 61,500 with secondary diagnosis. Within Europe, mortality caused as a result of Norovirus has been estimated at 0.2 deaths per 100,000 persons. 

 

Nevertheless, the Norovirus machinery is quite different from the others. Infections may occur multiple times in a single person as the virus has different strains. Also, Norovirus possesses resistance to many disinfectants. The mere use of hand sanitizer won’t be enough to avoid getting infected by the virus as it can survive them too. It can survive in temperatures exceeding 50°C, thus, steaming food or chlorinating water won’t help get rid of the virus. The virus can be diagnosed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. 

But, to see it from a different perspective, the virus can limit itself and lasts for not more than 3 days in most cases. People taking proper initiatives, acquiring proper hydration plans ( due to the loss of fluids caused as a result of the infection) and hygiene plans can easily overcome the disease. Maintaining hydration is the utmost priority in the acute phase. In extreme cases, patients have to be administered rehydration fluids. 

Precautionary measures include washing hands frequently with soaps, especially after changing baby diapers or using the washroom. At the time of outbreaks, disinfectants in appropriate amounts should be used in order to clean surfaces. 

 

Reference:

1. “Grand Canyon Reports 118 Cases of Gastrointestinal Illness, Norovirus Found in Several Park Visitors.” Grand Canyon Reports 118 Cases of Gastrointestinal Illness, Norovirus Found in Several Park Visitors. Norovirus Found in Several Park Visitors, www-nbcnews-com.cdn.ampproject.org, 23 June 2022.

2. “Norovirus: Two Cases Confirmed in Kerala; Distinct Symptoms to Watch out for – Times of India.” The Times of India, www.google.com, 6 June 2022