Norovirus Infection (नोरवायरस संक्रमण) एक highly contagious viral infection है जो मुख्य रूप से gastrointestinal tract को प्रभावित करता है।
- यह acute gastroenteritis का सबसे आम कारण है।
- Norovirus हर उम्र के लोगों को प्रभावित कर सकता है, लेकिन children, elderly और immunocompromised ज्यादा vulnerable हैं।
- Transmission आमतौर पर contaminated food, water, or surfaces के माध्यम से होती है।
- Infection अक्सर outbreaks का कारण बनती है, जैसे schools, cruise ships, और hospitals में।
Norovirus Infection क्या है (What is Norovirus Infection)
- Viral infection caused by Norovirus, a RNA virus from Caliciviridae family
- Symptoms develop 12–48 hours after exposure
- Typically self-limiting, lasting 1–3 days
- Highly contagious: even small viral particles can cause infection
Norovirus Infection कारण (Causes of Norovirus Infection)
1. Contaminated Food / Water
- Raw or undercooked seafood (especially oysters)
- Fresh produce contaminated with virus
- Improperly handled cooked food
2. Person-to-Person Transmission
- Close contact with infected individuals
- Sharing utensils, towels, or surfaces
3. Contaminated Surfaces
- Virus can survive on surfaces for days
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then mouth can cause infection
4. Outbreak Settings
- Schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, cruise ships, hospitals
Norovirus Infection लक्षण (Symptoms of Norovirus Infection)
- Nausea and vomiting – sudden onset
- Diarrhea – watery, non-bloody
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Fever (mild)
- Headache, muscle aches, fatigue
- Dehydration in severe cases (especially children and elderly)
Symptoms usually last 1–3 days, but contagiousness may continue up to 2 weeks।
Norovirus Infection कैसे पहचाने (Diagnosis of Norovirus Infection)
- Clinical History – sudden vomiting and diarrhea, recent exposure
- Stool Sample Testing – PCR test detects Norovirus RNA
- Epidemiological Clues – outbreak pattern in community or family
- Rule Out Other Causes – bacterial or parasitic gastroenteritis
Diagnosis mostly clinical, lab confirmation for outbreaks।
Norovirus Infection इलाज (Treatment of Norovirus Infection)
1. Supportive Care
- Hydration – oral rehydration solution (ORS) or IV fluids for severe dehydration
- Rest and balanced diet after vomiting subsides
2. Symptom Relief
- Anti-nausea medications (if prescribed)
- Avoid anti-diarrheal medications in children unless directed by doctor
3. Medical Attention
- For severe dehydration, prolonged vomiting, or in vulnerable populations (children, elderly, immunocompromised)
Antibiotics not required – infection viral है।
रोकथाम (Prevention)
- Frequent hand washing with soap and water
- Proper food handling and cooking, especially seafood
- Disinfect surfaces with bleach-based cleaners
- Avoid contact with infected individuals
- Stay home during illness and at least 48 hours after recovery
सावधानियाँ (Precautions)
- Do not share utensils, towels, or bedding with infected individuals
- Maintain hygiene in daycare, schools, hospitals
- Monitor for signs of dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urine, dizziness)
- Seek medical attention for infants, elderly, or immunocompromised
FAQs (अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न)
Q1. Norovirus contagious है?
हाँ, बहुत contagious है; छोटे viral particles भी infection cause कर सकते हैं।
Q2. कितने समय तक यह चलता है?
आमतौर पर 1–3 दिन, लेकिन virus 2 weeks तक फैल सकता है।
Q3. क्या antibiotics काम करते हैं?
नहीं, यह viral infection है; treatment supportive है।
Q4. कौन high risk में है?
Children, elderly, immunocompromised, और outbreak settings में रहने वाले लोग।
निष्कर्ष (Conclusion)
Norovirus Infection (नोरवायरस संक्रमण) एक common, highly contagious gastrointestinal viral infection है।
Proper hygiene, hydration, symptomatic care और outbreak control से symptoms manage किए जा सकते हैं और फैलाव रोका जा सकता है।
अगर किसी को severe vomiting, diarrhea या dehydration हो, तो तुरंत doctor से consultation जरूरी है।