Health officials issue ‘stay home for 48 hours warning’ as contagious virus cases ‘exceptionally high’

Cases have been rising

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.

"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.

“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.