13 students of Kerala’s veterinary college test positive for Norovirus

College authorities said samples of the students was sent to the NIV centre in Alappuzha which later confirmed the presence of the rare virus in the samples. 

 Thirteen students of a veterinary college in Wayanad in north Kerala have tested positive for the rare Norovirus, the state health department said.  

What is Norovirus and how does it spread? 

Norovirus is a highly contagious animal-borne disease transmitted through contaminated water and food. Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, headache, nausea and stomach pain are the common symptoms of the disease. It is spread by eating/drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, touching surfaces or from direct contact with someone who is infected. Those infected are advised to rest at home and consume ORS and plenty of boiled water. 

The virus does not significantly affect healthy people, but it can be serious in young children, the elderly, and those with other comorbidities.  

Authorities at the veterinary college said the infection was found in 13 students living outside the hostel and their samples were sent to the NIV centre in Alappuzha which later confirmed the presence of the rare virus in the samples. State health minister Veena George has asked health officials to take strict measures. 

“Everything is under control. We have contained it locally. Some students started showing early symptoms 10 days ago. We have sent their samples to the NIV lab in Alappuzha,” said the minister adding that no fresh cases has been reported after this. 

District health officials said a large-scale chlorination drive was underway and asked people to take fresh food and maintain proper hygiene. There is no cause for any concern but everyone should be cautious, they said asking people to wash their hands frequently to prevent the food-borne disease.  

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