Between September and March, Guangdong is in the peak period of norovirus infection. There is a high possibility of outbreaks after the new school year kicks off recently, according to the Guangdong CDC.
About Norovirus
In the past two years, Guangdong has seen a high incidence of norovirus infection outbreaks in autumn and winter. Norovirus is highly contagious, and a small number of virus particles can infect people. People of all ages can be infected with norovirus. Therefore, clusters of norovirus infection outbreaks are prone to occur in crowded places such as schools and nurseries.
People can be infected by food and water contaminated by norovirus. Norovirus can also spread through infectious aerosols, as well as contaminated environmental surfaces and objects.
Common Symptoms
The incubation period of norovirus infection is short, usually 12 to 48 hours. Symptoms are generally mild. The most common symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, followed by nausea, abdominal pain, headache, fever, chills, and muscle aches. Children mainly suffer from vomiting, while adults mostly suffer from diarrhea.
The illness is typically self-limiting, with acute symptoms. Most patients can recover within 2 to 3 days. A small number of infants and young children, the elderly, especially those with underlying diseases, may have more serious symptoms such as dehydration, and their recovery is slower.
6 Prevention Tips on Campus
Health management of students: Strictly implement morning checks and inspection of absence due to illness.
Note: Once a patient with symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea occurs, immediate medical attention is needed, with isolation conducted, take appropriate precautions handling vomitus , as well as cleaning and disinfection.
Health management of canteen staff: Health management of canteen staff should be strengthened. Wear masks and be cautious with hand sanitation when dealing with food together with distributing meals. Staff with gastrointestinal symptoms should temporarily suspend working.
Management of drinking water: Regularly conduct drinking water quality testing, ensure the safety of drinking water in schools, and drink boiled water.
Environmental disinfection: Pay attention to cleaning and disinfection of places with frequent contacts (doorknob, handrail, taps, elevator buttons, and toilet flush buttons).
Be equipped with sufficient supplies: Schools/nursery schools should be equipped with sufficient disinfectant and personal protective equipment.
Deal with vomitus properly: Carry out training of school doctors and childcare workers. When a case of norovirus infection vomits, it should be handled by trained staff instead of students, so as to prevent the spread of the virus or the spread of the epidemic due to improper handling.
3 Personal Prevention Tips
Wash hands regularly.
Properly wash food, and eat well-cooked food.
Keep a healthy life habit, avoid drinking raw water, and stay away from the vomitus.
Author | Hannah
Editor | Wing, Steven, Abby, Jerry
