Norovirus – Brazil

24 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul are reporting cases of acute diarrheal disease and 13 of these municipalities report outbreaks in schools. The most common cause of infection appears to be norovirus.

The 13 municipalities that register an outbreak in educational institutions are: Porto Alegre, Santa Maria, Barra Funda, Colorado, Erechim, Ijuí, Mato Leitão, Nova Prata, Santa Rosa, Santo Antônio do Palma, Sarandi, Selbach and Tucunduva.

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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