Warning for parents as UK cases of 'projectile vomiting' bug up by 41 per cent
Cases of the notorious "winter vomiting bug" are spreading rapidly through nurseries and schools, official government health data shows.
Figures show those infected with the contagious norovirus is up 41% in the latest report which records cases for the two weeks up to November 26, compared to the previous two weeks. The UK Health Security Agency states 1,653 people reported being infected in the virus in England, with children under 4 being the most affected.
Dr Lesley Larkin, of the 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 zero to four 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. 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.”
Norovirus cases are on the rise (Getty Images/iStockphoto)The government report reads: "Norovirus activity and the timing of the peak in reporting can vary considerably and differ from one season to the next. Transmission is mostly via contact with an infected person, but norovirus can also be spread by consumption of food contaminated with the virus or contact with contaminated surfaces.
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"Norovirus transmission is influenced by many factors including, but not limited to, whether the person has been infected with norovirus recently, community contact patterns and the time of the year. Infections peak in the colder months and therefore norovirus is most prevalent during winter.
"So far up to week 47 of the 2023/2024 season, the cumulative number of positive norovirus laboratory reports in England (1,653 laboratory reports) was 7% higher than the 5-season average for the same period (1,548 laboratory reports). This is mostly attributable to higher than usual activity at the beginning of the season between weeks 27 to 34.
"Norovirus activity has been increasing since week 44. Laboratory reports in weeks 46 and 47 were 41% higher than the previous 2-week period of weeks 44 and 45, 2023. While reports have been rising across all age groups, compared to previous seasons activity in recent weeks has been highest in children aged 0 to 4 years.
"However, norovirus activity during weeks 46 and 47, 2023 (249 laboratory reports) was 16% lower than the 5-season average (295 laboratory reports) for the same 2-week period."
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