Norovirus outbreak among school students in Kochi.

Several school students were infected with the Norovirus in Kochi, the students were from a private school in Kakkanad. They had first started showing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea after that it was found that 62 students, belonging to class 1 and 2 and few parents started showing symptoms of the infection followed by this samples were sent to the State Public Lab where two of the samples tested positive as stated by the district medical officer. Three children are undergoing treatment and the DMO confirmed that there condition is not alarming.

The district administration has started preventive and awareness measures. Awareness classes were held online, classrooms and toilets were disinfected. The authorities have cautioned the public to make sure their drinking water is clean. The disease can be cured in a short period with proper medication and precaution methods. The schools has declared holiday for classes 1 to 5 due to the outbreak.

Norovirus is a cluster virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea and people with weak immune system like children and aged people can get affected seriously. It is a highly contagious disease that spreads through contaminated food and water and close contact with people can also spread the infection. Initial symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, head and body aches, the symptoms last for 1-3 days.

District medical officer Dr Sreedevi S stated that the steps needed to prevent the virus has been taken and she also visited the school and directed the health department officer to implement preventive measures as soon as possible.