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Norovirus

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Over the months there has been an outbreak where a new strain of norovirus called GII.4 Sydney has affected people’s stomachs around the world causing gastroenteritis causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches, chills, sore throat, and a low grade fever. Even though there is no treatment or vaccines to prevent infection, this virus should be taken seriously as it is highly contagious and death may occur to the young, elderly, and critically ill. Therefore, practicing proper hygiene and food protection, and potable water-supplies can help prevent Sydney from spreading.

There currently is neither treatment nor vaccines that prevent infection from this virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also known as CDC, “there is no drug to treat people who get sick from the virus”. This is why people should take Sydney seriously. Another example that shows that there is no treatment is because antibiotics solely fight against bacteria and not viruses, antibiotics will not help fight this infection. The people around the world are in danger as not even antibiotics will help them fight off this vicious infection. Moreover, Sydney is highly contagious and caution should be taken when in crowded areas.

Even though there is no treatment or no vaccines, people should take Sydney serious because it’s highly contagious. According to NBC News “Right now, it’s too soon to tell whether the new strain of norovirus will lead to more outbreaks than in the previous years.” The general public should be aware of this virus and should take proper precautions. This virus spreads easily, from contaminated foods in the U.S. such as leafy greens, fresh fruits, and shellfish. Eating such foods or drinking liquids that are contaminated with GII.4 Sydney, touching objects or surfaces that are contaminated with Sydney then putting hands and fingers in mouth, and/or having contact with a person who is infected with Sydney, are just some of the ways this virus enters the body. In contrast, those most susceptible to infection should take this virus seriously.

The most important reason take Sydney serious is because death may occur to the young, elderly, and critically ill. According to news.xinhuanet.com, six elder patients have died of gastroenteritis after a norovirus outbreak at a hospital in Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan. There is no hiding from this virus all should consider this virus dangerous. Another example that shows that the young, elderly, and critically ill die from this virus is, a report from Contra Costa Times states “Two elderly patients died over the holidays and six others were taken to the hospital following an outbreak of contagious norovirus that sickened 59 people at The Redwoods senior residential care facility in Mill Valley.”. Therefore, it is evident that the elderly are most susceptible and are urged to take proper precautions.

Practicing proper hygiene and food protection can help prevent Sydney from spreading. The CDC recommends proper hand washing with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds, prompt disposal or disinfection of contaminated materials, and isolation of infected persons for at least 48 hours after the resolution of the last symptom. Because there is no cure, prevention is highly important. Another example from the CDC shows that norovirus is the leading cause of disease from contaminated foods in the United States and people with this virus should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms. Moreover, Sydney is very contagious and it only takes a very few viral particles for someone to get sick.

So you can see that although there is no treatment or vaccines to prevent infection, this virus should be taken seriously for two main reasons. First, it’s highly contagious. But most importantly, death may occur to the young, elderly, and critically ill. Therefore, practicing proper hygiene and food protection can dramatically decrease the spread of Sydney. So what will you do to take Sydney seriously?

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