Norovirus bug cases on the rise in the UK – here's six symptoms to watch out for
dailystar.co.ukthe Mirror.Though people should feel reassured that the uncomfortable bug usually goes away after a couple of days.The illness spreads easily in public spaces like schools, nursing and care homes and hospitals.This is because the virus is often caused by tiny particles of vomit or excrement entering the nose or mouth – contact with people infected with the virus or with contaminated surfaces can cause a person to fall ill.The advice was shared after surveillance in England showed that the number of outbreaks had increased in recent weeks.The increase in reported outbreaks was initially in educational settings, particularly in nursery and childcare facilities, with 48% more incidents reported to UKHSA than would be expected.Reports of norovirus outbreaks in care home settings have also increased in recent weeks, with a rise from 24 reported in week 6 (w/c 7 February) to 40 reported in week 7 (w/c 14th February) of 2022.While outbreaks reported in care home settings overall remain below pre-pandemic expected levels, it is likely they will continue to increase in the coming weeks, they say.Professor Saheer Gharbia, Gastrointestinal Pathogens & Food Safety Directorate, UKHSA, said: "Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, has been at lower levels than normal throughout the pandemic but as people have begun to mix more, the numbers of outbreaks have started to increase again."Symptoms include sudden onset of nausea, projectile vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs."Stay at home if you are experiencing norovirus symptoms, the UK Health Security Agency say.Do not return to work or send children to school until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.
Read more on dailystar.co.uk
