Medics in Bahrain have refuted online claims that the norovirus was spreading in the kingdom and said children showing up with the symptoms were mostly suffering from seasonal gastroenteritis.
Al Hilal Hospital paediatrician Dr Sheju Thomas and Shifa Al Jazeera specialist paediatrician Dr Kunhimoossa Parappummal said there was no proof yet of the virus outbreak in the kingdom.
“The symptoms could be that of a bacterial infection, or an illness brought about by the changing seasons,” said Dr Thomas.
“The number of gastroenteritis cases go up this time every year. Children are likely to get it due to changing weather conditions and all it takes is one child to get sick to spread it around.
“It would be premature to cause panic and say that it is norovirus, it is probably just another case of seasonal illness.
“To know whether it is the norovirus or not, we need to specifically check for it in a private clinical setup.”
Also known as the Norwalk virus (named after the city of Norwalk in the US state of Ohio) or winter vomiting disease, norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the world. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever and headaches. They usually develop 12 to 48 hours after being exposed, and recovery typically occurs within one to three days.
Complications are highly uncommon, but may include dehydration, especially in the young, the old, and those with other health problems.
The disease is usually transmitted through person-to-person contact, and contaminated food, water and surfaces.
It is estimated that around 685 million cases occur annually, with the virus causing about 200,000 deaths a year, around 50,000 of whom are children less than five years old.
There has recently been outbreaks on cruise ships, with more than 240 people infected last month on the Queen Mary 2 that was voyaging from the UK to the Caribbean.
Earlier this week, American biotechnology company Vaxart, in collaboration with researchers from multiple academic institutions, evaluated an oral vaccine against the virus in a human trial, with findings showing a 30 per cent reduction in infection rates among vaccinated participants.
Dr Parappummal also highlighted ways parents can protect themselves and their children, in the unlikely event of the virus spreading in the kingdom in the coming months.
“There are no specific treatment options for the virus just yet,” said Dr Parappummal.
“It is one of the most common viruses causing diarrhoea, therefore it is crucial for children to wash their hands properly while such illnesses are spreading around.
“Parents should also disinfect surfaces that they suspect are contaminated.
“Even if you or your child end up catching it, do not panic, the disease is usually self-limiting, and severe illness is very rare.
“Although having norovirus can be unpleasant, it is not usually dangerous, and most people who contract it make a full recovery within two to three days.
“Manage your fluid intake and avoid dehydration that can be caused by vomiting and diarrhoea.
“If necessary, and only at your doctor’s discretion, you might mitigate symptoms using antiemetics (medication that is effective against vomiting and nausea) and antidiarrhoeals.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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