Health chiefs' top cleaning tip to stop norovirus as rates continue to rise
The number of norovirus cases has been increasing in recent weeks particularly among children ranging from babies up to four years old, health officials have confirmed.
One drastic development saw James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough forced to close three wards while experiencing its "worst norovirus outbreak for four to five years", as nurses urged people with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea to stay home to avoid spreading the bug further. Dr Mike Stewart, chief medical officer for the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We've spent the last few days managing the first norovirus, or winter vomiting virus, outbreak in the organisation. And it's the biggest outbreak we've had in probably the last four or five years."
Jo Carter, lead nurse for infection prevention and control at the trust, later said: "Norovirus, often known as the winter vomiting bug, causes diarrhoea and/or vomiting and is highly contagious." Data shared by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that the number of notorious outbreak has been increasing since week 43 of this year - but is lower than the same period last year.
Norovirus is also known as the winter vomiting bug (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)Dr Lesley Larkin, Interim Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety (One Health) Division at UKHSA, said: "While reports of norovirus cases have been rising across all age groups, in recent weeks the increase has been highest in children aged 0 to 4 years. As norovirus activity increases it’s important we take steps to try and stop it spreading. If you or a family member have been sick with norovirus, you should avoid visiting hospitals and care homes, and not return to work, school or nursery, until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped."
The expert also shared some cleaning tips to help people avoid catching and sharing the virus, saying: "Using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop the virus from spreading. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, which can result in hospitalisation, particularly for the most vulnerable."
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Norovirus, also known as the "winter vomiting bug", can be unpleasant but usually goes away in about two days. The main symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting - but some people also experience a high temperature, a headache as well as aching arms and legs. Symptoms start suddenly within one to two days of being infected.
It can be usually treated at home by resting and having lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. The NHS says parents should keep their children away from school until they have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days.
Parents of children under 12 months old should call 111 to get advice if they are worried - and those with older kids should also talk to medical professionals if they show signs of dehydration, have blood in their poo, or keep vomiting for more than two days. You should call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee. Adults should also seek urgent medical attention if their vomit is green, if they have a sudden, severe headache or a stiff neck.
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