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New norovirus alert: Health chiefs order Brits to stay home for 2 days if they've got vomiting bug to contain new ultra-infectious variant READ MORE: Warning against taking common pain remedy to combat norovirus By EMILY STEARN, SENIOR HEALTH REPORTER FOR MAILONLINE Published: 11:21, 7 November 2024 | Updated: 11:36, 7 November 2024 e-mail View comments Brits were today warned of an upsurge in highly contagious norovirus cases. Rates of the winter vomiting bug, which can also cause diarrhoea, are up almost a fifth in just a fortnight, fresh figures show. It means cases for this time of year in England and Wales are more than double the levels seen pre-Covid.
Health chiefs blamed the rise on the recent spell of cold weather and warned people not to work for at least 48 hours after symptoms end. Experts also said a variant dubbed 'Kawasaki', first spotted in Japan , now accounts for almost 70 per cent of all cases. According to figures released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there were 447 confirmed cases of the bug between October 14 and 27.
This is 16 per cent higher than the 384 reported in the previous fortnight. Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, the number of norovirus outbreaks reported in hospital settings is also 26 per cent higher than the five-year average. Norovirus can appear similar the symptoms of Covid, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches According to figures released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there were 447 confirmed cases of the bug between October 14 and 27 However, actual case numbers — which only cover England — may be even higher.
This is because the figures are based on positive laboratory reports and NHS hospitals reporting suspected and confirmed norovirus outbreaks. Most of those infected suffer nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting and recover at home. But norovirus can pile pressures on hospitals because infected patients need to be isolated in single rooms or wards need to be closed to new patients to contain the spread.
UKHSA noted that the surge in cases had been largely driven by variant known as GII.17. The strain, which accounts for 67 per cent of cases, has been nicknamed 'Kawasaki' as it was first detected in the Japanese city in 2014.
'The increase of the variant has been observed in other counties and is being closely monitored,' the health body said. The bug is spread through close contact with someone who is infected; touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, and then touching the mouth; as well as eating food that's been handled by someone with norovirus. Regular hand washing is the best way to stop the spread.
Norovirus can show similar symptoms to Covid, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches. The stomach bug usually goes away on its own within two to three days. But sufferers, who may also experience aching arms and legs, are advised to stay at home until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.
In severe cases, however, some people may need to be hospitalised with the elderly and children most at-risk. Read More World-first jab to combat the misery of winter vomiting bug on trial in Britain Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, said: 'If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, 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. 'If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.
' Rest and having lots of fluid are often recommended by health chiefs. Paracetamol may also aid a fever or aches and pains. But last week, one health expert advised people to steer clear of Ibuprofen over fears it could irritate the stomach lining.
The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) could also raise the risk of suffering stomach bleeds and ulcers, Savneesh Bhogal, a healthcare expert at Netex, said. This is because the medication reduces the production of prostaglandins — hormone-like substances that the body produces — which protect the stomach lining. The uptick in cases also comes as a new vaccine that could stop people from developing norovirus is being trialled in the UK.
The mRNA vaccine from Moderna has entered its final stages of testing, the Health Secretary has announced, with results so far showing it creates a 'strong immune response'. Share or comment on this article: New norovirus alert: Health chiefs order Brits to stay home for 2 days if they've got vomiting bug to contain new ultra-infectious variant e-mail Add comment.
