A sudden rise in the cases of Norovirus caused panic in St. Paul's hospital when as many as 37 people were found positive for it. Out of these, 18 were reported to be patients while others were staff members.

An RNA virus, which affects people from all age groups, is highly contagious and causes nearly 90% of all epidemic non-bacterial outbreaks all over the world.

Its main symptom is acute gastroenteritis. The disease caused is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste and abdominal pain. General lethargy, weakness, muscle aches, headache, and low-grade fever may occur as well.

As a precautionary measure, authorities at St. Paul's hospital have restricted the movement of people inside the premises.

Only with appointments, emergency or family of critically ill patients are allowed to go inside. Even the staff members without their identity cards are restricted for the entrance.

Sanda Blevins, the Vice-President for the Health Region, emphasized in a press conference on the importance of hand wash and other basic hygiene regimes to combat the virus.

Blevins added that Norovirus is the type of virus that remains active throughout the year, but it is only when the cases ascend that the department concerned wakes up to take measures.