NHS symptoms alert over contagious bug as cases soar amid new Kawasaki strain

A warning has been issued over a winter vomiting bug after cases of Norovirus climbed. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) posted the alert, pointing out an 'upward trend'.

It also confirmed that the winter vomiting bug was circulating at 'higher levels'. The NHS states that 'Norovirus, also called the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea'.

"Our latest published #Norovirus data shows that the "winter vomiting bug" has been circulating at higher levels compared to the past 5 season average," the post on Instagram read. "We are also seeing the usual upward trend as we head into winter."

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The latest UKHSA data shows that:

• Norovirus activity has remained high in recent weeks – since the drop which coincided with the October half-term school holidays in England, norovirus reporting has again started to rise

• total Norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 44 and 45 of 2024 were 85% higher than the 5-season average for the same two-week period

• the number of Norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2024/2025 season is 5 per cent higher than the 5-season average

The data also showed that cases of rotavirus - a contagious virus that causes diarrhoea - is also on the rise, although still within 'expected levels'.

It is thought that the 'Kawasaki' strain of Norovirus is behind the increase in numbers. Data from AXA Health reveals that cases of the vomiting bug have doubled compared to last year, with the Kawasaki strain believed to be behind 70 per cent of the cases in the UK.

GP Dr John Burke - who has more than a quarter of a century in the medical field under his belt - said: "Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that spreads through contact and can cause sickness and diarrhoea for those infected. Often referred to as the 'winter vomiting bug' cases of Norovirus soar over autumn and winter as more people spend time indoors, in close proximity to each other."

Norovirus symptoms and how to treat it

According to Bupa Health, Norovirus is one of the main causes of gastroenteritis. Symptoms tend to come on suddenly, with the most common being:

• nausea (this may be the only symptom in mild cases)

• projectile vomiting

• watery diarrhoea

• Tummy cramps are also common and in some cases it can cause fever.

Dr Luke Powles, associate clinical director for Bupa, said: "Although it’s unpleasant, the good news is that norovirus is short-lived and should be out of your system within 1 to 2 days. Diarrhoea may last a little longer.

If you think you’ve caught norovirus, it’s important not to visit hospitals, your GP surgery, friends, or relatives in care homes or other public spaces. This is because you could easily spread the infection to other people, and potentially to people who already have poor health."

You should contact a GP if:

• your symptoms last for more than 2 or 3 days

• your symptoms worsen

• you already have a serious illness, then phone your GP

Dr Powles continued: "A GP can give you advice about what to do and assess if you need further examination or treatment. Look for signs of dehydration in children and elderly, such as becoming lethargic or irritable. Nappies may be dry or they may be urinating less.

"There’s no specific norovirus medication. Antibiotics won’t work because it’s a viral infection, not a bacterial one. The best thing you can do is to manage the norovirus symptoms. Keep yourself hydrated by replacing the fluid you’re losing through vomiting and diarrhoea.

"Children can become dehydrated more quickly, so you may wish to give your child a rehydration solution. A pharmacist can advise you on this."