Why is the NORO virus so dangerous?

Norovirus is dangerous because of several characteristics that contribute to its spread and severity of symptoms. Here are some reasons why norovirus is so dangerous.

Norovirus is extremely contagious and can be easily transmitted from person to person. A very small amount of the virus is enough to infect someone. Norovirus can spread quickly in densely populated environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools and cruise ships. It can be transmitted through food, water, and surfaces. The virus is resistant to many common disinfectants and can survive on surfaces and in food over a wide temperature range. This makes it more difficult to control the spread.

Symptoms of norovirus infection can occur as early as 12 to 48 hours after exposure, which promotes rapid spread. Norovirus causes gastroenteritis, which leads to serious symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be particularly serious for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. The intense vomiting and diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration, which can be life-threatening, especially in the elderly, chi

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-02-22 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024