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Norovirus infection has been confirmed in two school children in Ernakulam as health authorities stepped up efforts to contain the spread of the disease.
Infection has been confirmed in two children of Class I and II of Bhavan Adarsha Vidyalaya, Kakkanad. About 62 children and some parents had previously displayed symptoms of the infection. Three students are undergoing treatment. His condition is said to be stable. The virus was detected in the stool samples of the two children sent to the State Public Health Laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram.
According to school officials, offline classes have been suspended at the school following the outbreak. Academic sessions will be online till January 25. Necessary guidance is being given to the parents as per the instructions of the Health Department.
An official communication by the District Medical Officer states that the classrooms have been disinfected. Water samples have been collected and sent for detailed investigation. Control measures including chlorination have been introduced. Those showing symptoms should remain under observation. Care should be taken to ensure that sources of drinking water are clean and free from contamination.
According to health officials, although norovirus outbreaks are rarely serious, they can spread quickly if proper precautions are not taken. Contaminated water or food is a common infectious agent. The virus spreads through the fecal-oral route. Infection occurs either through direct consumption of contaminated food or through careless handling of food by an infected person or caregiver.