December 22nd 2024.
Cora O'Mara and her friend Sophie Silk, two young women from Essex, had been looking forward to their backpacking adventure in Thailand. However, their trip took an unexpected turn when they both fell ill with a highly infectious bug. The norovirus outbreak had swept through parts of the country, infecting many tourists, including Cora and Sophie.
As they were staying on Ko Pha Ngan island, they were in the heart of the affected area. The two friends were both hospitalized and needed treatment for their illness. In an effort to raise awareness of the virus, they turned to TikTok, documenting the rapid spread of the disease in Thailand. The country's Health Department also issued a warning about the virus, urging people to take precautions.
Cora, 23, shared her experience with Metro, saying, "Norovirus is everywhere. It's a jump scare, and no one wants to catch it." She also added that being sick while traveling can be quite scary and vulnerable, and she found herself missing her mom despite being a grown adult. The illness not only affected their health but also disrupted their trip, causing them to lose money and valuable time.
The two friends had heard about the norovirus outbreak and were cautious, even switching from a hostel to a private room. However, they still fell ill and were throwing up at the same time. Cora had to be taken to the local hospital, Phangan International Hospital, where she spent the night on a drip to recover. She described the experience as "crazy" and said they had no idea what was being done to them. However, she also praised the hospital staff for their helpfulness and care.
Thankfully, Cora had travel insurance that covered her hospital stay, which cost her £700. The illness left them weak and unable to socialize for a week, causing them to miss out on activities they had planned. Unfortunately, they were not the only ones affected by the norovirus. The virus had reportedly spiked in Thailand, particularly on the neighboring island of Ko Tao. TikTokers shared their experiences, with many describing how everywhere they looked, someone was holding their stomach.
The norovirus outbreak was not limited to backpacking resorts, as it also hit other areas of the country. The Department of Health advised people to follow good hygiene practices after over 1,400 students, teachers, and staff at a school in Rayong province were infected with the virus. The department's deputy director-general, Thiti Sawaengtham, warned that the virus can easily spread through food, drinks, and contact with infected individuals.
Cora also talked about the fear among backpackers about catching the virus, saying, "It felt very much like Covid. We didn't want to be close to other people because we didn't know who had it." The highly infectious nature of norovirus caused a lot of concern among travelers, with some even cutting their trips short to avoid getting sick.
Unlike many other bacteria, the norovirus is resistant to common disinfectants, heat, and alcohol-based hand sanitizers, making it difficult to contain. Symptoms can appear within 12 to 48 hours and are usually severe, including nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, body aches, and diarrhea. It can spread through contaminated surfaces and direct physical contact with an infected person, making it crucial to practice good hygiene and take precautions while traveling.
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