Scots norovirus cases surge as public health body issues warning

Norovirus is on the rise.
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images.)


Norovirus cases are on the rise across the country. Public Health Scotland (PHS) released figures today which show instances of the bug are on the up.

The number of laboratory reports for norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, received by the body was up to 1,629 by November 17, from 1,563 in the previous week.

The illness is common and is more prevalent during winter and is also known as 'the winter vomiting bug'. Experts have now warned of the importance of washing your hands to guard against the illness.

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Although the infection can be unpleasant, most sufferers tend to be back to full fitness within a couple of days. A Public Health Scotland notice said people should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water to protect themselves from winter bugs.

It read: "You can get norovirus more than once because the virus is always changing. This winter we have seen a new strain of norovirus become dominant in Scotland, as well as elsewhere in the UK. This may mean that we see a higher peak than usual.

"As a result, it’s important to be aware of how to prevent getting norovirus. The most effective way of helping to protect yourself from winter bugs, including norovirus, is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

"Handwashing with soap and water is best, as alcohol hand gels are not effective against norovirus. By keeping hands clean and encouraging children to practise good hand hygiene as well, we can significantly reduce the transmission of infections."

And the body has given advice on how not to transmit the disease to others. It said: "It is also important to minimise contact with others if you have norovirus.

"If you or your child have diarrhoea and vomiting, stay away from work, school or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, and don’t prepare food for others in that time either."

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