CASES of norovirus are 75 per cent higher than normal, according to new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Norovirus laboratory reports have remained high and haven’t started decreasing as is typically expected during spring, health chiefs warned.
The total number of reports in April 2024 was 75 per cent higher than the five-season average.
Norovirus – also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ is a highly infectious viral illness.
The reports suggest the increase in the detection of cases could be linked to the changes in how we study diseases following the pandemic.
Changes to testing and reporting to national surveillance, and the cold weather are also considered possible factors in the report.
The total number of enteric virus outbreaks reported last month remained 23 per cent lower than the five-season average.
The majority of outbreaks were identified in care home settings.
Amy Douglas, a norovirus epidemiologist at UKHSA, said the cold weather along with a combination of factors is responsible for the increase in cases.
The viral illness causes “dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people”.
Therefore, It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you get ill.
Norovirus symptoms can include projectile vomiting and diarrhoea.
If you’re suffering from these “do not return to work,” as the virus spreads easily.
The expert urged people to wait at least two days “after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either”.
Those feeling unwell should also avoid going to hospitals and care homes to avoid passing the infection on.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading,” explained Amy.
Alcohol gel isn’t efficient against the virus so it is important not to “rely on these alone”.
Covid-19 cases increased again this week by two per cent after reports showed a rise in hospitality rates due to the virus.
The UKHSA announced that the spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccination is now live.
Those eligible should visit the NHS site or use the app to book appointments.
The eligible cohorts include:
- adults aged 75 years and over by 30 June 2024
- residents in care homes for older adults
- individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at UKHSA, said: “Once again, Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations have risen this week, so now is the time to get your Covid-19 spring vaccine if you’re eligible and haven’t already.”
Vaccinations will end on 30 June, 2024.
When to call 111 and 999 for norovirus
NOROVIRUS usually goes away on its own after a couple of days and doesn’t require medical attention.
But you might need to speak to a doctor if:
- You’re worried about your baby who is younger than 12 months
- Your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
- You think your child under five might be dehydrated – signs could include fewer wet nappies
- You’ve used rehydration sachets but still have signs of dehydration
- You or your child keep being sick and can’t keep fluids down
- You or your child have bloody diarrhoea or start bleeding from the bottom
- You or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or are vomiting for more than two days
And if you spot any of the following signs, it’s vital to seek urgent care:
- Vomit in your blood
- Vomit that looks like ground coffee
- Green vomit (adults) or yellow-green vomit (children)
- A stiff neck
- Pain when looking at bright lights
- A sudden, severe headache or stomach ache