London: more than a million affected by Norovirus

The cases of people infected with Norovirus or type virus "Norwalk" already exceed 1.1 million in England and Wales, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA). According to this organization, the figure is 72% higher than that recorded in late 2011. In turn, this infectious agent is responsible for 50% of outbreaks of foodborne gastroenteritis in the U.S.. Although it affects people of all ages and is transmitted by food contaminated by sewage and by contact from person to person, can lead to complications in children and the elderly.

Since its inception, the winter has proved challenging for public health services in the Northern Hemisphere. The hospital wards were collapsed by demand, schools reduced their hours of class and luxury cruises have experienced true health crises in the Caribbean Sea. Only in the UK, the figure has surpassed one million people affected and, before Christmas, more than 400 passengers and crew infected in the Queen Mary 2 cruise and the Emerald Princess.

About the norovirus

Although it can infect people at any time of year, is often associated with acute norovirus winter of gastrointestinal diseases. The most common mode of transmission is through the consumption of contaminated food or water, but can be transmitted by contact from person to person. It can also spread through the air after someone vomits.

The disease usually begins a few days after the person is infected. The most common symptoms are severe vomiting and watery diarrhea, but can also cause low fever, headache, abdominal pain and in the extremities.

The evolution

In the first 60 hours have the largest demonstrations and a period of high transmission, so it is crucial that those who are infected do not touch food that can be eaten by others or that come into direct contact with other individuals.

The disease has no specific treatment and resolves on its own, with a full recovery within 4 days. However, young children and the elderly are the most vulnerable because dehydration can have high fluid loss.