Norovirus cases in UK 37 per cent higher than pre-pandemic average
This has been described as ‘unusual norovirus activity’, with the elderly increasingly affected
A UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) report says that cases of norovirus have increased by 37 per cent compared to the same period before the pandemic.
It stated that cases for the first two weeks in January jumped 37 per cent over the five season average pre-pandemic, with over 65s reporting the steepest rise.
Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, causes sickness and diarrhoea, with other symptoms including fever, headache and aching arms and legs. It usually only lasts two to three days, but can lead to complications, particularly in children and the elderly who may require hospital treatment.
Dr Quinton Fivelman PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at London Medical Laboratory, explained: “Commonly, the most serious complication from norovirus is dehydration, particularly if you or your child cannot keep fluids down. In the case of babies and young children, seek medical advice if they stop breast or bottle feeding, or if they show other signs of dehydration such as fewer wet nappies.”
He advised that if a person or their child has bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom, diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two to three days, they should call 111.
However, the concern in the rise of cases is the pressure on the NHS during winter months, when it is dealing with outbreaks of Covid-19, flu and Strep A, as well as strike action by some workers.
Dr Fivelman has said that while this ‘unusual’ activity is worrying, it is unlikely that we are seeing a mutation of the virus. He explained: “Rather than any new variant, the main reason for this month’s spike in cases is likely to be that immunity against norovirus is fairly short-lived, and fewer people were exposed to the virus than normal during the pandemic.
“Now everyone is mixing again, cases are increasing. This virus spreads very easily and quickly, more so than the other viruses causing illness this winter.”
His advice is to ‘wash your hands frequently with soap and water’, but also to be aware that ‘alcohol hand gels don’t kill this bug’.