Norwalk virus of the treatment and prevention

Other common name (s): norovirus, tummy, calicivirus

Family name (s): Caliciviridae

What is the Norwalk virus?

Norwalk virus is an extremely common cause of food-borne diseases can be transmitted, particularly in Japan. It affects significantly the human gastro system. Viruses are most commonly associated with the shellfishes, collected from contaminated sewage. Norovirus sometimes occurs in many places in the world, mainly cruise ships, schools, daycares, restaurants and summer camps.

What are the symptoms of Norovirus infection?

Norwalk virus symptoms occur in all age groups, and may include:

1. Stomach cramping

2. Nausea

3. Vomiting (profuse, nonbloody, nonbilious)

4. Watery diarrhea

5. the Low-grade fever

6. Chapter or muscle pain

Symptoms usually appear 1 to 3 days after exposure to the virus and can hold up to two days to several weeks.

About Noroviruses spread?

Norwalk viruses are transmitted by fecal oral route. These viruses only spread by person-to-person "and cannot be spread by animals.

Other common routes of infection include:

1. the Shellfishes from waters contaminated wastewater.

2. Having contact with objects or surfaces contaminated with norovirus and then put his hand in the mouth.

3. Infected people who do not wash their hands regularly, especially before touching food or preparation that can eat another person.

4. Ice or water that is polluted with sewage.

Recurrent infections may be by life, because the norovirus has many different strains, which make it difficult for the development of long-term sustainability of a person of authority.

How to find the Norwalk virus?

Several tests have become available, can detect norovirus. Laboratory techniques such as Elisa (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent assay) and the method of RT-PCR (transcription polymerase chain reaction) is used for diagnosis.

How to prevent the spread of Norwalk virus

The best way to prevent the spread of viruses of Norwalk is a thorough handwashing after toilet use and before preparing or serving foods for at least 15 seconds. In addition there are a lot of rest and stay Home until your Norwalk virus symptoms have disappeared.

Other preventive measures are:

1. people who already have the infection with Norwalk virus never should prepare food for others.

2. those who are ill with diarrhea or vomiting should not work in youth centres or health care while these symptoms have stopped.

3. disposal or cleaning and disinfection of contaminated materials, or contaminated surfaces immediately after the incident of the Norwalk virus infection in your home.

4. Eat only thoroughly cooked shellfish. Avoid food or water, which can be prepared under unsanitary manner as a party and raw or uncooked foods.

5. Immediately wash the clothes, which may have been infected with the virus of Norwalk after the incident.

6. to avoid handshaking, where it is not necessary.

Treatment of Norwalk virus infection

There are no antibiotic (Norwalk virus is not bacterial) and antiviral agents that can kill or treated Norwalk viruses. There is also no vaccine yet, to prevent infection. Never use any antibiotics, since they tend to complicate the disease. Getting rest and water to avoid dehydration for drinking is the most recommended for this type of disease. Dehydration is the most harmful effects which may arise from a norovirus infection. Doctors offer juices, which provides additional nutrients to the body for drinking, instead of just plain water for drinking. Avoid drinking milk, which contains sugars that are difficult to classify as being more difficult to digest. Milk can bring you other intestinal problems such as Stomach cramps and diarrhea.

Some doctors suggest the following prescription for oral rehydration drink, that you can buy most convenience stores and it is cheap to prepare:

To one litre of water is added

-8 teaspoons table sugar

-1/2 teaspoon table salt

-1/3 teaspoon Lite salt (potassium chloride) and

-1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda

Contracting Norwalk-type virus or noroviruses really can be very dangerous and deadly, if it does not follow the preventive measures. Remember to use proper hygiene procedures and extreme care immediately after a disease episode. However, the most famous in the medical treatment is to drink liquids or electrolyte replacement.

Now have permanent treatment for Norwalk viruses? Although they are still made no vaccines exist treatment. What can this be? It is for you to find out.