Norovirus Cases Surge By 29 Per Cent Across UK
The data from the National Health Service (NHS) show that infections have soared by 29 per cent between September 23 and October 6. This is twice the typical outbreak level expected for this time of year. Experts say that while the highly infectious bug is more commonly seen in the winter months, this year it has arrived early.
Health officials are advising a strict self-isolation period of 48 hours after symptoms of the bug appear to prevent its spread at workplaces and schools, according to a report in Mirror.co.uk. It’s also recommended that people avoid visiting medical facilities and care homes to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to more vulnerable individuals.
Amy Douglas from the UK Health Security Agency, who specialises in epidemiology, cautioned: “Norovirus levels have remained higher than expected recently and cases are likely to increase.”
Douglas’s advice is straightforward for anyone struck down by the virus: stay isolated and minimise contact. “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.”
Norovirus is a highly contagious infection that causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Mayo Clinic says that the virus commonly spreads through food or water that is contaminated during preparation or through contaminated surfaces. Noroviruses can also spread through close contact with a person who has norovirus infection. Symptoms of norovirus infection such as diarrhoea, stomach pain and vomiting usually begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last for about 1 to 3 days.
Symptoms of norovirus
Symptoms of the infection start to show 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and can last one to three days. Some of the common symptoms of norovirus are;
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Fever
- Body aches.
Prevention of norovirus
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Frequent Handwashing: Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.
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Food Handling: Follow food safety measures, including cooking seafood thoroughly, washing fruits and vegetables and avoiding cross-contamination.
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Avoiding Contaminated Food and Water: Be careful when you’re consuming food or water that may have been contaminated with norovirus, especially at restaurants, events or elsewhere.
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Disinfection: Try and use disinfectants to clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently such as doorknobs, light switches countertops and toilet handles.
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Isolation: If someone in your house is sick and has symptoms of norovirus, stay away from them and ask them to stay isolated. This is because the illness is extremely contagious.
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