Norovirus cases hit their highest level for a decade

Norovirus cases in England have risen "significantly" to hit their highest levels in a decade, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

An average of 743 adult hospital beds were occupied last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting, or norovirus-like symptoms, up 88% from the week to 29 January. Last year the average for that time period was 302.

The virus is often known as the 'winter vomiting bug' because it is notorious for spreading rapidly during the colder months.

The rise is especially affecting over-65s, with the majority of outbreaks now taking place in care homes. There have also been increases in schools and hospitals.

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Health experts urged people with symptoms of the illness to stay at home and not go to work, or to keep their children home from school, until two days after any signs of the virus have cleared.

UKHSA said that cases are currently running 66% above the average compared to the past five seasons, but because this period included lockdown it means that fewer people would have gone to their doctor or hospital for help, meaning that prevalence within the wider community was likely to have been much higher.

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The overall level of infection is likely to be higher than that reported by medical authorities as it is accepted that there is a general reluctance among the community to seek medical help since the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Norovirus spreads easily through contact with someone carrying the virus or with contaminated surfaces. Most people make a full recovery within two or three days, but it can lead to dehydration for some, especially the very young or old, or those with weakened immune systems.

The biggest increase in laboratory-confirmed norovirus is among people aged 65 and over. While high numbers of cases in this age group can be expected at this time of year, current levels haven't been seen in more than a decade.

Dr Lesley Larkin of the UKHSA Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety Division, said: "Norovirus levels are currently the highest we have seen at this time of year in over a decade.

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"Most reported cases are in the over-65s and we're also seeing a rise in reported outbreaks, particularly in care home settings."

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS medical director for England, said hospital cases of norovirus have risen "significantly" in line with what is being seen in the community and in care homes.