Norovirus - Belarus

Norovirus – Belarus

March 29, 2021
< 1 min read

On 1st April 2021, 17 people with symptoms of poisoning were admitted in the Beshenkovichi hospital, Belarus. According to the reports, after consuming tap water which is so called poor quality water, people rush to the hospital with nausea and diarrhea. The first patients were admitted there on the night of March 29-30, locals say.

Norovirus is a stomach and intestinal virus that’s very contagious. It passes easily through direct or indirect contact with an infected person. It can spread quickly in close quarters such as hospitals, schools, and day care centers.

The hallmark symptoms of norovirus are vomiting and watery, non-bloody diarrhea. These symptoms usually start within 12 to 48 hours of being exposed and can last up to three days. Most people make a full recovery.

There’s no special medicine for norovirus. It’s not a bacterial infection, so antibiotics won’t help. Treatment is mainly supportive, with a goal of preventing dehydration.

Drink plenty of fluids will help. To replace electrolytes, oral hydration solutions, like Pedialyte, are recommended for all ages.

Photo: Norovirus particles electron micrograph.

Norovirus, sometimes referred to as the winter vomiting bug, is the most common cause of gastroenteritis.

Infection is characterized by non-bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Fever or headaches may also occur. Symptoms usually develop 12 to 48 hours after being exposed, and recovery typically occurs within 1 to 3 days.

This may be through contaminated food or water or person-to-person contact. Risk factors include unsanitary food preparation and sharing close quarters.

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