Even if you’ve had norovirus once already this winter there is a chance you could get it again, experts have warned.
Health experts have issued an urgent food warning amid a “second surge” in cases of a highly contagious winter bug. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cases of norovirus are continuing to rise across the country.
The latest data shows laboratory reports for the illness are at the highest levels since reporting data this way began in 2014. And people who have already had the virus this winter are not safe either – as this data shows a shift in circulating strains.
Cases between February 3 and 16 were 29.4 per cent higher than the previous fortnight and more than double the five-season average (168 per cent) for the same two-week period. The UKHSA warned: “The impact is particularly severe in hospitals and care homes, with cases highest among people aged 65 and over.
“Cases usually start to decline around this time of year as the weather gets warmer, but it is too soon to conclude whether or not norovirus has peaked this season.” The increased activity this season is linked to the recently emerged GII.17 genotype.
The UKHSA continued: “This means that people who have already had norovirus this season may catch it again, as having one genotype does not fully protect against the other.” However, there is no indication that this strain leads to more severe illness.
Common symptoms of norovirus include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- High temperature
- Abdominal pain
- Aching limbs
One expert warned that people who display symptoms must not prepare food for others, as this could spread the bug. Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, explained: “If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, please do not visit hospitals and care homes or return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.
“And don’t prepare food for others, as you can still pass on the virus during this time.” She further warned: “Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high and now with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season.
“We are seeing the biggest impacts in health and social care settings, such as hospitals and care homes. Symptoms of norovirus can be more severe in older adults, young children and those who are immunocompromised.”
She advised regularly washing your hands with soapy warm water and cleaning surfaces with bleach-based products where possible to help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gel does not kill norovirus.
