Norovirus Confirmed in Kerala but No Cause to Worry
NEW DELHI, Nov 12: A day after Norovirus cases were confirmed in Wayanad district in Kerala, the state government on Friday said people need to be vigilant about the very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
The rare and highly contagious Norovirus infection was reported in some 13 students of a veterinary college in Pookode near Vythiri in Wayanad district two weeks ago. Though things have been brought under control and no further spread was reported, the health authorities said they were preparing a data bank of the students of the veterinary science college besides holding an awareness class as part of preventive measures.
Veterinary college authorities said the infection was first found in students living in hostels outside the campus. The health authorities were quick to collect samples and sent them to NIV in Alappuzha for testing. State health minister Veena George chaired a meeting of the health officials to take stock of the situation in Wayanad and directed the officials to intensify activities to prevent the spread of the virus, according to a health department release. Currently there is no cause for concern but everyone should be vigilant, the release said.
Officials said preventive activities including super chlorination were underway. Drinking water sources need to be hygienic and with proper prevention and treatment, the disease could be cured quickly, it said.
(Manas Dasgupta)
