Health Alert: Norovirus Cases Surge 18% Across England
Health officials have issued a stark warning to parents and pensioners as cases of the highly contagious norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, have jumped significantly across England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released fresh data showing an 18.3% increase in reported infections over a recent two-week period, with particular concern for vulnerable age groups.
Sharp Rise in Infections Among Vulnerable Groups
The latest surveillance figures, covering the period ending January 25, reveal a worrying trend in norovirus transmission. While the overall increase stands at 18.3% compared to the previous fortnight, when measured against a five-season average that excludes pandemic years, the rise becomes even more dramatic at 73.8% higher than usual for this time of year.
Older adults continue to account for the majority of cases, but health authorities have noted a significant surge in infections among nursery-age children. This dual threat to both ends of the age spectrum has prompted urgent public health messaging about prevention and containment measures.
Critical Hygiene Advice: Soap Over Sanitiser
In its latest bulletin, the UKHSA has delivered crucial guidance that challenges common assumptions about viral protection. Alcohol-based hand gels, widely used during the pandemic, are completely ineffective against norovirus, according to health experts. Instead, thorough handwashing with warm soapy water remains the gold standard for preventing transmission.
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasised: "We should all remember the simple steps we can take to stop norovirus spreading, including washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don't rely on these alone."
Protecting Care Settings and Schools
The agency has issued specific advice for different settings where norovirus can spread rapidly:
- For parents: Children with diarrhoea and vomiting should stay home from school or nursery for at least 48 hours after symptoms clear completely
- For care settings: Those with gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms should avoid visiting hospitals and care homes to protect vulnerable residents
- For workplaces: Adults should not return to work until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped and should avoid preparing food for others during this period
Understanding Norovirus Transmission
Norovirus spreads primarily through the faecal-oral route, making hygiene practices particularly important. The virus can be transmitted through:
- Close contact with infected individuals
- Touching contaminated surfaces then touching the mouth
- Consuming food or water contaminated by someone with the virus
Typical symptoms include sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and may be accompanied by fever, headache, abdominal pain, and body aches. While unpleasant, most cases resolve within two to three days with proper home care focused on preventing dehydration.
Treatment and When to Seek Help
The NHS advises that most norovirus cases can be managed at home with rest and adequate fluid intake. However, specific warning signs require medical attention:
Contact a pharmacist if: you show signs of dehydration, are older with underlying health conditions, or need to manage diarrhoea symptoms temporarily.
Call 111 if: a baby under 12 months shows concerning symptoms, a child under five shows dehydration signs, symptoms persist despite rehydration efforts, or if there's bloody diarrhoea or prolonged vomiting.
Emergency situations requiring 999 or A&E: vomiting blood, severe headache with neck stiffness, breathing difficulties, confusion, or signs of severe dehydration with skin colour changes.
Broader Respiratory Virus Context
While norovirus cases are rising, the UKHSA reports that influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases continue to decline. Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, noted: "It's great to see that cases of flu and RSV have continued to fall for another week. While we are heading in the right direction, it's really important to remember that the end of the flu season could still be some months away."
Health authorities continue to recommend vaccination for eligible groups, good indoor ventilation, and responsible behaviour when experiencing symptoms to protect vulnerable populations from all circulating viruses.
