Around 1,700 people are confined this Wednesday on a cruise ship in Bordeauxsouthwest of France. The measure was taken after the death of a passenger was confirmed and dozens of cases with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis were registered. The French health authorities clarified that the outbreak has no link with the hantavirus detected on MV Hondius.
Specialists perform clinical analyzes to identify the source of the infection. To date, tests to detect norovirus They gave negative results.
The infection by norovirus – a virus that is not new – can cause the sudden appearance of severe vomiting and diarrheathe Mayo Clinic reports on its website.
The virus is highly contagious and is commonly spread through food or water that become contaminated during preparation or through contaminated surfaces. You can also be infected by close contact with an infected person.
Norovirus is very infectious and causes vomiting and diarrhea, but usually goes away within a couple of days. It is easily transmitted through contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.
What are the symptoms
Symptoms include the sudden onset of nausea, vomiting y diarrheabut can also include high fever, abdominal pain y pain in the extremities.
Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting usually begin between 12 and 48 hours after exposure. Symptoms of norovirus infection usually last for one to three daysand most people recover completely without treatment, says the Mayo Clinic.
However, in some people – especially you drink and the older adults with other illnesses – vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration serious and require medical attention.
How to reduce the spread of the virus
- Faced with this situation, the recommendation is to stay home and not return to work or send the children to school or daycare until 48 hours after the symptoms have disappeared.
- Avoid visits to relatives or elderly people, especially if they are hospitalized.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.
- Disinfect potentially contaminated household surfaces and commonly used objects, such as toilets, faucets, telephones, door handles, and kitchen surfaces.
- If you are sick, avoid cooking and helping prepare meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved, as norovirus can be transmitted through food contaminated by the virus when the food is handled by symptomatic or infected people.
- Wash any contaminated clothing or bedding with detergent and water at 60°C. If possible, use disposable gloves to handle these garments.
Receive in your email all the news, stories and analysis from Clarín journalists
