Urgent ‘stay at home’ warning as cases of violent diarrhoea bug surge 30%- and common remedy WON’T protect you
Health officials have warned that the number of cases of a terrible bug that causes violent episodes of vomiting and diarrhea has increased by more than 30% in only two weeks.
To prevent the extremely contagious virus from spreading further, they issued an urgent “stay at home warning” to anyone exhibiting any of its unmistakable signs.
According to a recent report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), reports of norovirus cases increased by 31.6% between November 4 and November 17 in comparison to the two weeks prior.
“Norovirus activity is now increasing again across all age groups, with the biggest increase in adults, particularly adults aged 65 years and over,” said the report.
The health watchdog claims that the increase of cases “has begun earlier than usual”.
According to UKHSA, the total number of cases reported was nearly double what is usually observed during this time of year.
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According to the report, norovirus outbreaks in hospitals increased by 19.4%, which was more than usual.
High levels of norovirus are still spreading in our communities, according to UKHSA epidemiologist Amy Douglas.
“Take precautions to prevent spreading the infection if you have contracted it.
“If you have diarrhea or vomiting, wait 48 hours after your symptoms have subsided before going back to work, school, or the nursery. During that period, don’t cook for other people.
“If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.”
Close contact with an infected person is usually how the bug, which causes rapid nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, is transferred.
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You can also become ill by touching your mouth after coming into contact with infected surfaces or by consuming food that has been handled by a person who has norovirus.
In addition to staying at home if you suspect you have norovirus, maintaining proper hand hygiene will help prevent illness in both you and other people.
According to Amy, cleaning surfaces using bleach-based products and washing your hands with soap and warm water will also help prevent the spread of illnesses.
However, she cautioned that using hand sanitizer will not significantly stop the virus’s spread.
“Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so don’t rely on these alone,” the epidemiologist said.
Why are norovirus cases rising?
The rise in norovirus infections, according to UKHSA, could be caused by a number of factors, including modifications to the virus during the Covid-19 epidemic and the growing use of PCR multiplex technology for diagnosis, which can identify several gastrointestinal viruses in a single test.
Additionally, “the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype” known as GII.17 was reported by the health watchdog.
A staggering 89% of samples so far in the 2024–2025 norovirus season were from norovirus genogroup 2 (GII).
The GII.17 genotype was responsible for 66.3% of these instances.
“An increase of this variant has also been observed in other counties during 2024 and is being closely monitored,” stated the UKHSA.
“At present there is no indication it leads to more severe illness.”
According to the health authority, the number of norovirus cases was likely higher than what the data showed.
“Lab reports represent just a small proportion of total norovirus cases,” the UKHSA stated.
“It has been estimated that for every case of norovirus reported to national surveillance in the UK there are about 288 in the community that go unreported, representing an annual burden of around 3 million cases.”
How can I treat norovirus?
Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea are common norovirus symptoms.
However, patients may also have limb pain, stomach discomfort, and a high fever.
After contracting norovirus, anybody, particularly young children and elderly or immunocompromised individuals, may be at risk of dehydration.
It’s crucial to consume a lot of fluids during any illness to replace those lost through vomiting and diarrhea.
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Although symptoms may appear unexpectedly, they normally go away in two or three days.
Since you are most contagious during this time, it is crucial that you avoid going to school or working until you have been free of illness or diarrhea for at least two days.
What to do if you think you have norovirus – and when to call 999
When you feel better, eat bland meals, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of rest if you suspect you have norovirus.
Avoid contact with others until 48 hours after symptoms have subsided, wash your hands frequently, and disinfect surfaces.
If symptoms are severe or persistent, consult a doctor.
During therapy, make sure you consume enough of water or electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated.
Get as much rest as you can. Consume bland foods such as spaghetti, rice, and crackers or bread.
Ask your doctor about over-the-counter remedies for symptom alleviation. In one to three days, the symptoms should go.
You should contact 999 or visit A&E if you or your kid encounter any of the following:
- vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
- have green vomit (adults)
- have yellow-green or green vomit (children)
- might have swallowed something poisonous
- have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache
Source: Dr. Bruno Silvester Lopes, Teesside University and NHS Microbiology Lecturer
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