Health alert in China: Virus outbreak hits school, 100+ students affected
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): 103 students at a senior high school in Foshan City, southern China's Guangdong Province, have tested positive for norovirus, local health officials said Saturday. Fortunately, none of the students are in critical condition and no deaths have been reported.
Norovirus is a common virus that causes acute stomach illness (gastroenteritis). Infection typically results in vomiting and diarrhea. These students at Xinghui Middle School recently fell ill, and initial tests determined their illness was due to norovirus infection.
All 103 students are now in stable condition. The school premises have been thoroughly disinfected. Students' health is being monitored regularly, and attendance is being checked regularly. An epidemiological survey is also underway. According to the report, the Guangdong Province Disease Control Department stated that norovirus outbreaks are most prevalent here from October to March of each year.
Norovirus is a group of viruses that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. This illness is very common and spreads rapidly from person to person. It is more likely to spread during the colder months. It is considered the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States.
An estimated 685 million cases of norovirus occur annually, including 200 million in children under 5 years of age. The disease kills approximately 200,000 people each year, including approximately 50,000 children. The impact is greatest in poor countries. The global cost of norovirus, resulting from health care costs and economic losses, is estimated at $60 billion.
The first major outbreak of norovirus occurred in 1968 at a school in Norwalk, USA. This led to the virus being first identified as the "Norwalk virus." Norovirus causes a stomach illness that many people mistakenly call "stomach flu," even though the true flu is a respiratory illness, not a stomach illness.
Norovirus outbreaks typically peak between November and April in countries above the equator, while those below the equator tend to peak between April and September. However, in countries located near the equator, there is no specific season for outbreaks.