Prepared by Messenger Staff
Norovirus Likely Cause of Kindergarten Gastroenteritis Cases, NCDC Says
Georgia's National Center for Disease Control and Public Health said lab tests indicate norovirus was highly likely responsible for most gastroenteritis cases recently reported in kindergartens, after cases were identified among children on September 17.
The center said the clinical course has been favorable, with no serious complications and most children already recovering. Investigations are ongoing, and final results will be shared once available.
Norovirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide and accounts for 40-45% of such cases in Georgia, the center said. It typically causes vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and sometimes fever, is not life-threatening, and usually clears on its own within one to three days.
Treatment involves staying hydrated, avoiding dairy, fatty, fried and spicy foods for several days, and using anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea medication only as prescribed. The center also urged frequent hand washing and disinfecting surfaces to limit spread.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture has been involved from the start in checking food safety at the affected institutions.
Zakharova: Georgians and Russians 'Have Missed Each Other'
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the Georgian and Russian peoples have missed one another, speaking to Russian media at an international youth festival in Yekaterinburg.
"I think this is not the first time you have seen the Georgian delegation on this platform. Yes, we do not have official diplomatic relations; however, at the same time, trade, economic, and humanitarian ties are actively developing. And finally, I will use the word 'Hallelujah' here, because this was long-awaited, visa restrictions have been lifted. What was previously possible only for specific groups and delegations from Georgia attending this forum is now open to every single citizen of that country. We are waiting for everyone. We have missed each other," Zakharova said.
She said tourist routes for Russian citizens in Georgia are expanding and noted she had spoken with the Georgian delegation during the festival.
"Look at how our people are welcomed there and the excellent service they receive. I can say the same about Russia. We look forward to the influx of tourists. We have never erected barriers against those who came to us peacefully, whether they were representatives of countries with unfriendly regimes or representatives of our allies. There has never been any segregation," Zakharova said.
