Health experts have issued a stark warning as the UK faces a “second surge” of a highly contagious winter bug. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported that cases of norovirus are on the rise nationwide.
The latest figures reveal that laboratory reports for the illness have reached their highest levels since this method of data collection began in 2014. Alarmingly, those who have already contracted the virus this winter are not immune – as the data indicates a shift in circulating strains.
Cases between February 3 and 16 were 29.4 per cent higher than the previous fortnight and more than double the five-season average (168 per cent) for the same two-week period. The UKHSA warned: “The impact is particularly severe in hospitals and care homes, with cases highest among people aged 65 and over.
“Cases usually start to decline around this time of year as the weather gets warmer, but it is too soon to conclude whether or not norovirus has peaked this season.”
The increased activity this season is linked to the recently emerged GII.17 genotype. The UKHSA continued: “This means that people who have already had norovirus this season may catch it again, as having one genotype does not fully protect against the other.”
However, there is no indication that this strain leads to more severe illness. Common symptoms of norovirus include nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, abdominal pain, and aching limbs.
Individuals showing symptoms of illness must avoid preparing meals for others that could potentially propagate the sickness. UKHSA lead epidemiologist Amy Douglas advised, “If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, please do not visit hospitals and care homes or return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.
“And don’t prepare food for others, as you can still pass on the virus during this time.” Douglas also alerted the public to the danger of being re-infected this season, stating: “Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high and now with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season.
We are seeing the biggest impacts in health and social care settings, such as hospitals and care homes. Symptoms of norovirus can be more severe in older adults, young children and those who are immunocompromised.”
Finally, she recommended “regularly washing your hands with soapy warm water and cleaning surfaces with bleach-based products where possible to help stop infections from spreading,” adding that alcohol gel is ineffective against the norovirus.