Notovirus Flashcards
notovirus are the most common cause of?
gastroenteritis
about norovirus
very small, non enveloped virions (alcohol handwashes not effective), doesn’t have a vaccine .
it’s variant, like influenza
does norovirus have a low infectious dose
very low infectious dose, easy to spread
what are some symptoms of norovirus
starts with the sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
abdominal cramps, headaches, low grade fever, myalgias, gastroentritis normally develops after 24-48h after ingesiton of contaminated food or water, each episode is short lived, lasting only about 24-72h
how is norovirus transmitted
from person to person, direct contact.
it’s highly contagious. the viruss is extremely stable in the environment and resists freezing, heat up to 60C
how long would viral shedding last
may occur for up to 3 weeks following infection
how does norovirus cause the symptoms
infection causes damage to the microvilli (absorpative structures) in the small intestine
diarrhoea is induced by nutrient malabsorption,
vomititng - changes iin gastric motility / delayed gastric emptying
why is norovirus difficult to control
cos it has a low infectiouos dose, the most effective prevention is thorough hand washing. ideally, you want to isolate person with it for first 48 hours
where does it replicate
small intestine and epithelium
how long is the incubation period
24-48h
what is the main concern
dehydration
what are some danger symptoms
blood in stools, mucus in stools, symptoms of severe dehydration (weakness, confusion, rapid heart rate)
what is the treatment
no specific treatment. jst symptomatic treatment,
oral rehydration therapy (for diarrhoea)
Loperamide (Increases intestinal transit time).
make sure you counsel on preventable measures
what is transit time
how quick the material moves through the digestive tract
what is the difference between rotavirus and norovirus
rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in CHILDREN, norovirus is the most common cause in ADULTS
