Sharp rise in highly contagious vomiting bug – what to do if you’re infected

A rotten illness that sparks violent bouts of diarrhoea and sickness is rising after reported cases jumped by nearly a third in a fortnight.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged those who catch norovirus to stay at home and avoid preparing food for others after revealing a 31.7% leap in infections between November 4 and 17 compared with the previous fortnight.

It recorded 562 reports of cases from November 4-17, compared with 427 in the two weeks before.

It also said reports were almost double the five-season average – which compares this year’s data with previous years, excluding the period of the Covid pandemic – of 283.

Even though norovirus cases usually rise during winter, the UKHSA said: “This season the increase in reporting has begun earlier when compared with the five seasons from which the average is calculated.”

It said the illness was “increasing again across all age groups, with the biggest increase in adults, particularly adults aged 65 years and over”.

And the situation could be worse than government data show – the UKHSA estimates that for every norovirus case reported, there are about 288 in the community it does not know about.

Amy Douglas, epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “We continue to see high levels of norovirus circulating in our communities.”

Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and sickness. Also known as the winter vomiting bug, the NHS describes it as “very unpleasant”.

People usually get it by having close contact with someone who has norovirus.

They can also get it by eating food prepared or handled by someone with the illness, or by touching their mouth after touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them.

In addition to feeling sick and experiencing bouts of diarrhoea, those infected might have a high temperature, a headache, and aching arms and legs.

The symptoms usually start within a day or two of becoming infected.

Ms Douglas said those who catch the virus can “take steps to avoid passing the infection on”.

She said: “If you have diarrhoea or vomiting, 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.”

The NHS recommends that those who fall ill with norovirus get lots of rest and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

“You will usually start to feel better in two to three days,” it says.

For more details about norovirus, visit the NHS website or call 111 for advice if you or your child are showing symptoms.