The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has given the latest Norovirus figures. Also known as the winter vomiting bug, Norovirus has put the health service under significant strain this winter due to its highly contagious and unpleasant nature.
The NHS was given a small crumb of respite last week that figures showing the number of people in hospital in England had fallen by four per cent. That trend has continued to improve, with figures showing a 16.8 per cent drop from the previous week.
However, the UKHSA has issued a warning with the figures, saying: “Latest data shows a continued decrease from last week. While numbers of cases are coming down, they are doing so from a very high point.”
Its website added: “Norovirus activity has remained high in recent weeks, but with a decrease of 16.8 per cent from week 8 to 9 of 2025. The total number of Norovirus laboratory reports during weeks 8 and 9 of 2025 was more than double (162.4%) the five-season average for the same two-week period.
“Rotavirus reporting has increased in recent weeks but was within expected levels during the two-week period of weeks 8 and 9 of 2025. The number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) during weeks 8 and 9 were comparable to the 5-season average.
“During the 2024/2025 season to date, the majority (91.7 per cent) of samples characterised were Norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), of which the most frequently identified genotype was GII.17 (54.2 per cent).”
It also added that cases were so high that it would change how figures were normally reported. Usually, numbers are so low between April and September that they are only reported monthly, but high winter figures are reported more frequently.
It had been anticipated that the March 13 figures would be the final weekly report of the 2024/25 season, with monthly reports starting on April 10. However, the UKHSA wrote on its website: “Given the higher level of norovirus activity this season, we will be publishing an additional report on 27 March 2025 to enable more timely monitoring of norovirus trends. We will continue to keep the cadence of reporting under review.”
What is Norovirus?
The NHS says: “Norovirus, also called the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually gets better in about two days. It 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
Symptoms include feeling sick, being sick (vomiting), diarrhoea, a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain, and body aches and pains. If you or your child have norovirus, you can usually treat it at home, and you usually start feeling better after a couple of days.
Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. People are advised to wash hands regularly with warm water and soap – especially before preparing food – and clean clothes, toilets, and bedding regularly.