Hyderabad ‘Norovirus has reported 100 cases daily’

On Monday, July 29, that a ‘dangerous infection’ known as Norovirus has been spreading through contaminated water, where doctors are reporting 100 cases each day.

“Norovirus has officially taken hold of Hyderabad, causing a sudden outbreak that has overwhelmed healthcare professionals. The Old City, including areas like Dabeerpura, Yakutpura, Mogulapura, and others, has been particularly affected,” said Akbaruddin Owaisi in the Assembly.

He emphasized that 2 or 3 patients have died due to water pollution.

elangana government denies Norovirus cases
Amid reports of a rise in norovirus cases in Hyderabad, the Telangana government asked the public not to panic, denying the claims. The director of public health (DPH), Telangana, Dr B Ravinder Nayak, urged people not to get carried away or believe in rumours.

In an attempt to reassure residents, Dr Nayak stated that not a single person in the Old City of Hyderabad has tested positive for norovirus, despite having similar symptoms. “I urge families in Old City not to believe rumours that there is an outbreak and that this ailment is fatal.”

Dr Nayak added that suspected norovirus cases have been reported from some private hospitals in Old City, however, he stated that none have been confirmed. “During the monsoon season, various bacterial and viral infections spread through close contact, contaminated food, or infected surfaces. Most of these conditions are treatable, with recovery typically occurring within three days,” he said.

What is Norovirus?
It is commonly known as viral gastroenteritis. The symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting and rapid dehydration of the body, causing a severe risk of damage to the kidneys and requiring the patients to go for dialysis.

Those with diabetes are most prone to this highly contagious virus that spreads through food, water, and surfaces contaminated by the virus.

The Norovirus also spreads through human contact between the infected patient and others

According to Dr MD Fawad Ali, consultant physician at the Princess Durru Shehvar Children’s and General Hospital in Purani Haveli, the spread of the norovirus could be done by not eating outside food, and by following personal hygiene. Sanitation measures in the residential localities were also stressed.

Norovirus is a highly contagious infection that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Symptoms of this infection usually occur between 12 and 48 hours of exposure to the virus. If you contract this infection, it’s common to experience symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. But, norovirus can also cause symptoms like fever, chills, and dehydration. If you have symptoms for three or more days or are experiencing severe symptoms of dehydration, it’s best to see your healthcare provider immediately for medical support.