People have seen a 1.8-fold increase in norovirus infections. And that's positive.
In 2024, Sverdlovskaya Oblast ranked fourth in Russia for norovirus infections, a severe stomach flu. With every 100,000 residents, there are approximately 126 cases, translating to 1 in every 795 residents getting infected.
The situation is worse only in:
- Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug - 1 in every 344 residents
- Chukotka Autonomous Okrug - 1 in every 449 residents
- Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug - 1 in every 696 residents
Dr. Ignat Klyuzhin, infectious disease specialist at "UGPK-Health," attributes this increase in norovirus cases to the accessibility of express tests. With these tests, norovirus is registered nearly 1.8 times more frequently, reducing the number of unspecified gastrointestinal illnesses.
The high population density in Sverdlovskaya Oblast is the main reason for the prevalence of norovirus, as infections spread faster in densely populated areas. Norovirus is most commonly diagnosed during the winter and early spring when people spend more time indoors. In the warmer months, the virus is primarily transmitted through contaminated water sources or untreated water.
Lack of sanitation in public places (cafeterias or school dining halls) is the primary cause of norovirus outbreaks.
To protect yourself from norovirus, follow these precautions:
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces where food is prepared.
- Thoroughly wash hands with soap.
- Keep track of food expiration dates.
During the past six months, there have been three large norovirus outbreaks in Yekaterinburg, such as the instance in March when 34 students of SUNC UFA fell ill. Over 20 residents of the dormitory were hospitalized. All had contracted norovirus due to unsanitary conditions at the food supplier. Inspectors found eight violations at the time.
Rospotrebnadzor is preparing a joint lawsuit against the business responsible for poisoning SUNC students
Former head of the "Public Nutrition" company feeding SUNC UFA students, Yelena Antropova, was given a one-year prison sentence. She was stripped of the right to engage in activities related to feeding the population for 1.5 years.
In April, more than 40 students of School No. 178 reported poor health. Norovirus was detected in both students and staff of the canteen. Sanitary inspectors found violations in the management of the canteen. The court temporary shut down the company "Globusresurs" operations for 85 days in late April.
Court halts operations of the company responsible for poisoning schoolchildren at Uralelectromash
Two weeks later, the court allowed Globusresurs to resume operations. In court, it was reported that the company had rectified all violations. One month later, Rosselhoznadzor expressed interest in Globusresurs. Inspectors discovered missing veterinary certificates for milk. Now, Globusresurs faces fines of up to 300,000 rubles.
A third major outbreak occurred at the beginning of June, when schoolchildren from Yekaterinburg traveled to a summer camp in Anapa. Eight children became ill from contaminated food from home.
Norovirus is the virus responsible for acute stomach flu. The source of infection is an infected individual. The virus spreads through food, water, and direct contact. Symptoms include sudden diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and headache.
- In the realm of health and wellness, the substantial rise in norovirus cases is a concern, particularly in densely populated areas.
- The increase in norovirus cases can be linked to the easy accessibility of express tests in the medical industry.
- Climate change may contribute to the spread of norovirus, as it is primarily transmitted through contaminated water sources in warmer months.
- Lack of sanitation in public places like cafeterias or school dining halls is the primary cause of norovirus outbreaks, highlighting the importance of workplace wellness.
- To prevent norovirus infections, it's crucial to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, wash hands thoroughly, and ensure food does not exceed its expiration dates.
- In 2024, Sverdlovskaya Oblast, Russia, had the fourth highest norovirus infection rate among its residents.
- In Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, the infection rate is even higher, with 1 in every 344 residents being affected.
- Strict measures are being taken to combat norovirus, as Rospotrebnadzor is preparing a joint lawsuit against the business responsible for the poisoning of SUNC UFA students.
- Yelena Antropova, former head of the "Public Nutrition" company, was sentenced to a year in prison and prohibited from engaging in activities related to feeding the population for 1.5 years due to her role in the poisoning incident.
- In April, over 40 students of School No. 178 in Russia reported poor health, with norovirus detected in both students and staff of the canteen.
- The court temporarily shut down the company "Globusresurs" operations for 85 days in late April due to violations found in the canteen's management.
- After rectifying all violations, Globusresurs was allowed to resume operations, but now faces fines of up to 300,000 rubles due to missing veterinary certificates for milk.
- Norovirus, the virus responsible for acute stomach flu, can spread through food, water, and direct contact.
- Symptoms of norovirus infection include sudden diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and headache, affecting overall health and lifestyle.
- Preventative measures like immunization and good hygiene practices can help reduce the risk of contracting norovirus and other chronic diseases.
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