It is alarm for gastrointestinal infections. The new virus is scaring Italians: here’s what it is and how to treat it.
An infectious disease of the gastrointestinal tract is a disorder caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. Humans have many organisms living in and on the body, and while they are generally harmless, some can cause illness and cause concern.
There is recent news of the ban on drinking water in some places in Lombardy. In particular, the population of Passo Tonale, a small hamlet of Ponte di Legno in the province of Brescia, is under the magnifying glass, after the Mountain Health Agency announced that it is prohibited to use water for drinking or for washing fruit and vegetables or simply brushing your teeth.
The reason for this very severe ban is norovirusa very aggressive and contagious pathogen that has already caused several acute gastrointestinal infections. After the infection, investigations began and analyzes established that the water samples tested positive for the virus and for this reason it cannot be drinkable.
Gastrointestinal infections, what is norovirus: symptoms and treatment
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus responsible for intestinal flu and most viral gastroenteritis. It is transmitted from person to person, via fecal-oral or aerosol transmission, but also via contaminated surfaces, water or infected food. Anyone can contract norovirus multiple times in their life.
The most common symptoms of the virus are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In more serious cases, however, it is possible to find heachache, chills, muscle cramps, fever, a general feeling of weakness and tiredness. Symptoms appear between 12 and 48 hours after coming into contact with norovirus and usually last 1 to 3 days.
It is important to know that there are currently no specific drugs or treatments, just as there are no vaccines against intestinal flu and norovirus. You must therefore wait for the symptoms to pass on their own. In more serious cases, the advice is always to contact your doctor.
Since norovirus is very contagious and easily transmitted, it is necessary to stay home if you have gastroenteritis until the symptoms disappear. To avoid any form of contagion, it is also suggested to avoid preparing food for other people.
Rice, pasta, lean meats, fish, bread, fresh fruit or cooked vegetables are some examples of foods to choose when suffering from gastroenteritis. While it is best to avoid drinks and foods that are too sweet or salty, carbonated drinks, caffeine, fried or very fatty foods (chips, fried foods, etc.), dairy products, sweets or very spicy foods.
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