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Norovirus in Kerela's Wayanad: Districts of Karnataka on High Alert

A highly infectious stomach flea Norovirus after being confirmed in the Wayanad district of Kerala now Karnataka sets high alert in its districts of Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu.

Sentinel Digital Desk

NEW DELHI: After 13 students were detected with norovirus in Kerala's Wayanad, the health and family welfare department in Karnataka issued a high alert in Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts bordering the state.

On Tuesday 23 November, a circular has been released where Karnataka Health Minister stated the guidelines to be followed to prevent such an infectious disease.

Karnataka Joint Director in Communicable Diseases informed that people must be aware and keep their eyes open in protecting themselves also the state from Norovirus.

The circular issued also gave the instruction for appointing a physician as a nodal officer to be posted in every district aiming to keep the situation of the virus under control. The officers from the Family Welfare Department and from District Health have also come through the matter with aid.

The state launched an awareness drive on Tuesday after the detection of Norovirus in the neighbouring state of Kerala as informed by Dr Ravi Kumar T, HD Kote Health officer. On Wednesday 24 November a meeting was held among various officials, social workers and members of panchayat.

Norovirus is a serious animal-borne disease that leads to gastrointestinal diseases and various symptoms including severe diarrhoea, vomiting and inflammation in the stomach and intestines. It is a transmitted disease that spreads in close contact with people but mainly arises from contaminated food and water.

People need to be much careful and aware to protect themselves from this deadly virus as it can bring serious complications. It is easily transmitted to children and aged people also making them suffer more in comparison to the adult ones.

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