What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. It belongs to the Caliciviridae family and is transmitted mainly through direct contact with infected people, food or contaminated surfaces. It is usually associated with outbreaks of food poisoning, so they are common in closed communities where the virus can spread quickly. Such is the case of cruises, and even of the large social celebrations that take place, for example, during the Christmas holidays.
The main problem with norovirus is that it can be contagious even before symptoms appear and up to several days after recovery. During Christmas, large family gatherings and the collective handling of food create an ideal environment for its spread, in addition to increasing the consumption of poorly cooked or processed shellfish or mollusks, such as oysters and mussels, one of the main sources of infection.
What symptoms does it cause?
Symptoms usually appear between 12 and 48 hours after exposure, and although most people recover within a few days, the most vulnerable, such as children and the elderly, may suffer symptoms that endanger their integrity.
How can it be prevented?
Recently, countries such as Spain and the United States have experienced notable norovirus outbreaks during and after major holidays, especially in hospitals and closed communities.
The norovirus makes it clear that these celebrations, although full of joy, can also be a breeding ground for contagious diseases. Without needing to be alarmed, the key is to be aware of the preventive measures that allow us to enjoy healthy holidays, especially when risk groups such as children, the elderly or immunosuppressed people are present. Thus, authorities recommend frequent hand washing, correct food handling and avoiding close contact with infected people.
How is it diagnosed?
Fortunately, early diagnosis is possible through rapid tests that detect the virus in stool samples, which helps contain outbreaks by quickly identifying those infected, thus slowing the spread.
Of the five genogroups into which the virus is divided, the most frequent are genogroups I and II, the latter being the cause of between 60 and 80% of cases worldwide. SIMPLE ROTA-ADENO-NORO and SIMPLE / STICK NOROVIRUS from OPERON are one-step immunochromatographic tests that allow the detection, in separate bands, of these two genogroups in human feces in a quick, simple and effective way, in addition to differentiating between infection by rotavirus and gastrointestinal adenovirus, which present with similar symptoms.
