Outbreak of a dangerous virus in one of the regions of Belarus — how to protect yourself

A dangerous norovirus has become active in Mogilev and the Mogilev region. As reported by the Mogilev Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology, group cases of the disease are being recorded in the region, writes "Tochka".

According to doctors, the infection is dangerous for everyone, but especially for children, the elderly, and weakened people. Specialists provided explanations on how not to get infected and what to do if you are already sick.

What kind of virus is this

Norovirus is an acute intestinal infection. It is highly contagious: just 10 viral particles are enough. Moreover, the virus lives long in the environment.

The source of infection is a human: sick or an asymptomatic carrier. The virus is shed through vomit and natural secretions.

A person remains contagious during the illness and for several weeks after recovery.

How can one get infected

There are several transmission routes for the pathogen. The most common is contact-household: through dirty hands, doorknobs, faucets, telephones, toys.

You can also catch the virus through food – poorly washed vegetables or products prepared by an infected person.

Transmission through water is also possible – from reservoirs, contaminated ice, unboiled water.

There is even an airborne-droplet route: by inhaling microdroplets of vomit with the virus. Sounds a bit scary, but it also happens.

Symptoms of infection and what to do

The incubation period of the virus is from several hours to three days.

The disease begins sharply. Characteristic signs: nausea, vomiting, high fever, diarrhea, weakness, paleness.

Usually, everything passes in one to three days.

But if the body is dehydrated, there can be serious consequences.

Important: antibiotics are useless against norovirus. There are no vaccines, and no specific treatment. Self-medication in this case is strictly prohibited – if intestinal infection is suspected, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Children with the symptoms described above should not be allowed into kindergartens and schools.

How to protect yourself

The main rule to stay healthy is hygiene. It is important to wash hands before eating, after being outdoors and after using the toilet. In addition, it is necessary to thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits.

Meat and other dishes should be thoroughly cooked and fried. Only drink boiled water or factory-packaged beverages. Try not to swallow water in swimming pools and reservoirs.

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