‘Do not go to work or school’ as cases of ‘extremely contagious’ bug that ‘leaves kids vomiting in hallways’ surge 133%

THE fig of radical sick with norovirus is much than treble what’s typically expected for this clip of year.

At slightest 503 radical tested affirmative for the "extremely contagious" winter vomiting bug successful September, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show.

That’s a 133 per cent leap from the five-season mean of 216.

Experts person warned that corruption rates are "likely" to proceed rising successful the coming weeks arsenic children instrumentality to classrooms crossed the country.

Adults and children who mightiness person the bug are being urged to enactment location from enactment and school.

Norovirus - besides known arsenic the "winter vomiting bug" - is simply a highly infectious viral illness.

The report, based connected laboratory test results, suggests that the emergence successful detected cases whitethorn beryllium linked to changes successful illness surveillance methods pursuing the pandemic.

Changes to investigating and reporting to nationalist surveillance, and the weather getting colder are besides considered imaginable factors successful the report.

Not each norovirus cases are reported oregon tested, truthful the existent fig of infections is apt to beryllium overmuch higher.

Most cases are being recorded successful the over-65s, though the virus, which triggers sickness and diarrhoea, continues to impact each property groups.

Amy Douglas, epidemiologist astatine UKHSA said: "Since April, norovirus levels person remained higher than expected and with kids returning to schoolhouse implicit the past fewer weeks, cases are apt to rise."

Parents already facing backlash from the emergence successful cases person taken to X (formerly Twitter) to explicit their concerns.

Kathryn (@kadamssl) shared, “Kids are virtually throwing up successful the hallway of my daughter’s school.”

Faye Ameredes (@FAmeredes) added, “My grandson’s schoolhouse has closed owed to norovirus. Yuk! Don’t cognize however galore days this volition last.

There person been 753 lab reports truthful acold this year, compared to a five-season mean of 476.

'Alcohol gels bash not termination norovirus'

Amy urged anyone with diarrhoea and vomiting to instrumentality captious steps to debar passing it on.

She said: "Do not instrumentality to work, schoolhouse oregon nursery until 48 hours aft your symptoms person stopped and don’t hole nutrient for others successful that clip either.

"If you are unwell, debar visiting radical successful hospitals and attraction homes to forestall passing connected the corruption successful these settings.

“Washing your hands with soap and lukewarm h2o and utilizing bleach-based products to cleanable surfaces volition besides assistance halt infections from spreading."

She added: "Alcohol gels bash not termination norovirus truthful don’t trust connected these alone.”

Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that causes vomiting (often projectile) and diarrhoea.

It is commonly accompanied by aching arms and legs, a precocious temperature, abdominal pain, and a headache, according to the NHS.

The bug spreads easy done interaction with idiosyncratic who has the microorganism oregon with contaminated surfaces or foods.

This makes nurseries, schools, workplaces, hospitals, attraction homes, cruise ships, and household homes over the colder months cleanable breeding grounds.

While astir radical marque a afloat betterment wrong a fewer days, norovirus tin pb to dehydration, particularly among the precise young, the aged oregon those with weakened immune systems.