The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has fired a warning to the whole of the country as Norovirus continues its rapid spread. Norovirus – also known as the winter vomiting bug – has spread prolifically across the UK in recent months.
According to the Government website, cases are once again on the rise. Norovirus laboratory reports towards the end of January were ‘more than double (114.5 per cent) the five-season average for the same period two-week period’.
It adds: “The number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System since the start of the 2024/2025 season is 15.8 per cent higher than the five-season average.”
Norovirus is highly contagious and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, high temperatures, and aches and pains all over the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is spread from sick people and through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.
It adds: “You can get norovirus by accidentally getting tiny particles of feces (poop) or vomit in your mouth from a person infected with norovirus.”
In a bid to curb the number of people being infected, the UKHSA has called on people to improve their personal hygiene. In a post on social media, it says: “Washing your hands regularly can help stop the spread of Norovirus.
“Norovirus, which you might know as the “winter vomiting bug”, is spreading at higher levels this year. Regularly wash your hands with soap + warm water for 20 seconds to avoid catching or passing it on.”
Norovirus – what you need to know
Norovirus is caused by a virus that spreads through poo. It can spread to others very easily. You can catch norovirus from:
- close contact with someone with norovirus
- touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
- eating food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
- drinking unclean water or infected food
It is a stomach bug which often becomes prevalent over winter. It spreads at this time because people spend more time indoors due to the cold weather. Gatherings over holidays can also increase its spread. It usually lasts for a couple of days, but can be very uncomfortable during that time.
Symptoms include head and body aches, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It can also lead to a high temperature, stomach pains, and generally feeling unwell. The NHS urges people to rest at home while taking on plenty of fluids to replace those lost due to vomiting and diarrhoea.
People are urged to eat when they can, but to avoid spicy or fatty foods, and also fizzy drinks. They should also take paracetamol if feeling unwell. You are advised to call 111 if you are worried about a baby under 12 months, you can’t keep fluids down, you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom, or you or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days.