Norovirus symptoms to look out for as UK hit with outbreak of highly contagious virus

Antony Clements-Thrower & Antony Clements-Thrower

18 May 2024 at 5:50 am·2-min read

Brits with symptoms of norovirus should stay at home (stock image) — Sick young woman lying on the couch and holding her head with hand. Ill woman lying on the sofa with high temperature. -Credit:Getty Images

Britons are being warned to remain indoors if feeling under the weather, as norovirus cases increase dramatically across the country over the recent weeks.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised an alert, issuing a critical warning about the rise in norovirus infections. The UKHSA mentioned that the presence of the highly contagious virus is unusually high for this period of the year and hasn't exhibited the usual trend of decrease during spring.

This horrifying winter vomiting bug is wreaking havoc, resulting in acute diarrhoea and vomiting outbreaks. According to reports, the health organisation disclosed a disturbing trend wherein confirmed norovirus cases have exploded to an astounding 75 percent above the average recorded over the past five years.

Experts suggest the aftermath of Covid and the cold spell in May might be contributing to the stubborn persistence of this bug. To control the spread, those affected by the illness are advised to maintain good hygiene and abstain from work, reports the Mirror.

Amy Douglas, Norovirus Epidemiologist at UKHSA, commented: "Norovirus levels were higher in April than we would usually see at this time of year and have been increasing. This is likely due to a combination of factors, but the colder weather we have had won't have helped.

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"If you have got diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don't prepare food for others in that time either.

"If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings. Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don't rely on these alone."

Earlier today it was reported a cruise ship plagued with hundreds of cases of Norovirus has been placed on lockdown while health agencies investigate. Countless passengers have shared horror stories in recent weeks after boarding the P&O Ventura from Southampton.

Holidaymakers described violent bouts of sickness, toilets "covered in excrement" and slammed the cruise ship company for its "disgraceful handling" of the situation. The outbreak allegedly started six weeks ago, during which time several cruises have gone ahead.

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