GP explains how to identify 'extremely contagious' new variant of norovirus sweeping UK

ok.co.uk:

A fresh variant of the notorious 'winter vomiting bug' norovirus is currently making its rounds across the UK.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified this new strain as the Kawasaki strain, or GII.17, which now accounts for a staggering 70% of norovirus cases.The public is being advised to self-isolate and avoid contact with others for at least 48 hours post-symptoms.

Just this week, Dr John Burke from AXA Health warned that the virus is "extremely contagious". AXA Health's data indicates that instances of the bug have surged, doubling compared to last year's figures.The 'Kawasaki bug', first detected in Kawasaki, Japan, in 2014, has rapidly spread, becoming the prevalent strain in the UK recently.

Deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, Gauri Godbole, cautioned: "If you have diarrhoea and 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." With more than 25 years of experience as a GP, Dr Burke, who also serves as the chief medical officer at AXA Health, highlighted: "Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that spreads through contact and can cause sickness and diarrhoea for those infected.