Cases have been rising
UK health officials have raised the alarm on the spread of a highly contagious virus that is currently on the rise in the UK.
Alarming statistics were unveiled by UK the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) ass they have updates on all the major viruses that are most prominent in winter.
They noted that while flu activity has lessened to “medium” levels and Covid remained steady over the last week, RSV rates have also diminished.
However, the numbers for norovirus are more concerning, and “exceptionally high”.
According to the UKHSA, figures during the period of time between 20 January and 2 February, cases were up 17.4% compared to the preceding two weeks.
Total reports surged by 116.7% higher than the five-season average for a corresponding fortnight.
Hospital outbreaks of the virus are now 22.6% increased relative to the five-season average.
The health body explained: “While some of the increased reporting may be attributable to the increased use of PCR multiplex technology (capable of detecting multiple gastrointestinal pathogens in one test), it is likely that the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype, GII.17, as well as changes in the epidemiology following the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors are contributing to the observed rise.
“During the 2024/2025 season to date, the majority (91.3%) of samples characterised were norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), of which the most frequently identified genotype was GII.17 (54.7%), an increase of this genotype has also been observed in other counties during 2024 and is being closely monitored — at present there is no indication it leads to more severe illness.”
Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs.
Norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so it’s important to drink plenty of liquids.
Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director at UKHSA, said: “Norovirus cases are still exceptionally high and continue to rise. Half term usually provides a bit of a firebreak, so hopefully we will see a fall in numbers in the next few weeks. However, it’s really important that if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Please avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.
“Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. This is because you can still pass on the virus in the days after you stop being sick.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”
