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Norovirus

 

Also known as “the stomach bug”, norovirus infects the patient’s stomach or intestines, causing stomach cramps, diarrhea or vomiting. It causes acute viral gastroenteritis, inflammation in the gastrointestinal system.


It is the most common viral cause of gastroenteritis. 

Norovirus spreads extremely fast, and it can be spread to others even when symptoms disappear. 


Norovirus decreases the enzymatic activity in the intestines, causing malabsorption, inhibiting the absorption of fats. This is how norovirus causes diarrhoea.  


It is transmissible via bodily fluids such as saliva and faecal material. It can also stay in surfaces and contaminate through them.


Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html

https://www.moh.gov.sg/diseases-updates/norovirus-gastroenteritis-(gastric-flu)




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