Very occasionally we read in the news that this or that cruise ship has had to return to port because of the norovirus, hundreds of passengers being affected by it. If you want to know what the symptoms of this virus, which is also called the stomach flu, and that causes gastroenteritis in the stomach and intestines, we detail them below.
Norovirus is the virus that causes the most foodborne illness worldwide, and are associated with cruise ships because these outbreaks are detected and reported more quickly than those that occur on land, being much more centralized and localized, however they occur in all places. Being in closed spaces, such as a boat, increases contact between one person and another, and causes its greatest contagion.
What is norovirus?
We do not want to get too technical, it is not our function, but we will comment on some characteristics and curiosities of norovirus. Be about a type of infectious agent Norwalk-type (or "Norwalk-like" virus) they are not bacteria.
Conclusion small viruses measuring 27 to 32 nanometers, with structured RNA, classified as calicivirus. Above you can see a "beautiful" photograph of this virus. And now we explain what its symptoms are.
Curiously, children tend to vomit more than adults and heat favors the spread of the virus which increases the risk of contagion. Another curiosity, almost 90% of the Spanish population has antibodies against norovirus, which can give you an idea of how frequent exposure to this pathogen is.
The cruise ships that are most affected by this virus are those that make stopovers in the Caribbean, and whether or not we get infected depends on some antigens that determine blood group, so not all individuals have the same susceptibility to infection.
Norovirus symptoms
The most common symptoms for people who have been infected with this virus are vomiting, watery diarrhea, nausea, fever, muscle pain, and cramps or severe abdominal pain. The symptoms last 1 to 3 days, and they begin to appear after 12 or 48 hours after exposure to the contaminated agent.
It usually does not require pharmacological treatment, enough with diet and hydration, but it is capable of spoiling anyone's vacation. In addition, if contagion occurs on a cruise ship, very few people are not affected, and the cycle of infections repeats itself, hence the majority of companies make the decision to return to port if they detect a strong outbreak.
Babies and the elderly do require greater attention from the beginning of the symptoms.
How is contagion produced?
What doctors tell us is that norovirus is released in the feces of infected animals and humans, so the causes of its appearance are consuming food or drinking contaminated water, or close contact with infected people.
Touching the mouth, nose or eyes with the hands after being in contact with objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus is one way to become infected. So avoid shaking people's hands if you are infected or if there is an outbreak on the boat.
From the first symptom, notify the doctor, he will have all the information, he will reassure you and he is the best person to cut the rumors that sometimes spread through the boats.
Prevention
And now most importantly, how to prevent norovirus infection. It's very important cook seafood well, wash hands frequently and always after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before eating or preparing food. Of course wash vegetables or fruits so that they are not contaminated, especially if they are consumed raw.
As an additional measure, use a chlorine-based disinfectant, not so much alcohol, because the virus particles do not have a lipid envelope, which makes them less susceptible to alcohols and detergents.
You have more complementary information about the norivirus in this article.