Earlier this month, there were reports of hundreds of passengers falling ill with vomiting and diarrhoea on the Queen Mary 2 luxury cruise ship. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 224 passengers, about 8.8% of the guests, and 17 crew members were affected during the four-week Caribbean cruise. The outbreak was attributed to norovirus, a notorious virus that also wreaked havoc in China a few months ago. In response to the outbreak, the cruise line implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures, collected stool samples for testing, and isolated affected individuals. Reportedly, the swift response led to a reduction in reported norovirus cases.
Has norovirus been found in Malaysia?
Yes, it has! In October last year, there was a norovirus outbreak at a private school in Kota Damansara. The school reported that several students were affected, with a few hospitalised. Tests indicated norovirus as the likely cause. Health officials inspected the school canteen's food service, and the school voluntarily reported the incident to the relevant agencies. The school also implemented infection control, closure and deep cleaning to prevent further spread.
Norovirus: What You Need to Know
Norovirus, aka the vomiting bug, is a common stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Spikes in cases often happen during winter, but it can occur at any time of the year.
Symptoms
Symptoms of norovirus include:
- Feeling nauseous
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Some may experience fever, headache, tummy pain, and body ache.
Treatment
You will usually feel better in 2 to 3 days. In the meantime, there are a few steps to help your body recover:
- Stay hydrated: This is the most important part of treatment. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Oral rehydration salt, which is often taken as a solution in water, also helps replace the fluid and salt lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. Avoid fruit juice and fizzy drinks, as these can make diarrhoea worse.
- Rest: Your body needs rest to recover.
- Eat when you can: Don't force yourself to eat, but if you feel hungry, try small, plain meals. Avoiding fatty or spicy foods may be helpful.
- Medication: Paracetamol may help relieve fever and aches. There is no specific medicine to cure norovirus. Antibiotics do not work because it is a virus.
- Stay home: Avoid going to work or school until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped to prevent spreading the virus.
When to Seek Help
While most cases of norovirus can be managed at home, there are times when medical attention is necessary. Seek medical attention in the following situation:
- Vomiting blood or green vomit.
- Bloody diarrhoea.
- Severe stomach pain.
- Confusion.
- Passing very little urine.
- Stiff neck or pain when looking at bright lights.
- Severe headache.
Prevention
Norovirus is highly contagious. It spreads through contaminated food, contaminated surfaces and close contact with people with the virus. Preventing the spread of norovirus is crucial.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food. Alcohol hand sanitisers do not eliminate the virus. Learn the correct handwashing steps here.
- Wash clothing: Wash contaminated clothing at 60°C and make sure they are separated from other laundry.
- Regular cleaning: Clean frequently touched surfaces like toilet seats, taps and door handles.
- Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with people affected by the virus.
Conclusion
Norovirus is a common stomach bug that is highly contagious. Taking care of personal hygiene and staying vigilant help prevent the spread of this annoying bug. Share this article with your loved ones so they can take steps to protect their health too!
Note: More articles on health-related topics can be found here.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor for personalised guidance and address any concerns you may have.
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