the highly contagious virus is wreaking havoc

In the UK, cases of norovirus, a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, are on the rise, according to recent reports from health authorities. The data suggests an increase of almost 20% in just two weeks, with infection rates more than double the similar pre-pandemic period in England and Wales, it notes Daily Mail.

To limit the spread of the virus, public health experts advise infected people to stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms disappear, as norovirus is easily transmitted through direct contact with infected people or through contaminated surfaces. In addition, norovirus can spread quickly in crowded places such as schools and hospitals, which is why rigorous hand hygiene and careful surface disinfection are essential to prevent infection.

Health chiefs blamed falling temperatures and cooling weather and warned people not to work for at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

According to figures published by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), 447 cases of the virus were confirmed between 14 and 27 October.

Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, the number of norovirus outbreaks reported in hospitals is also 26% higher than the five-year average. However, the actual number of cases, which only covers England, may be even higher. And that’s because the figures are based on confirmed laboratory reports and information provided by hospitals.

Most of those infected suffer from nausea, diarrhea and vomiting and recover at home. Norovirus could put pressure on hospitals, however, as infected patients must be isolated in individual rooms to limit the spread.

The variant called “Kawasaki” accounts for almost 70% of cases

The UKHSA noted that this increase in the number of cases was largely driven by the variant known as GII.17. The strain, which accounts for 67 percent of cases, has been dubbed “Kawasaki” after it was first detected in the Japanese city in 2014.

“The increase in the variant has been seen in other counties and is being closely monitored,” the UK Health Safety Agency said.

The virus is spread through close contact with someone who is infected, contact with surfaces or objects that have the virus on them if you then touch your face, or even by eating food that has been handled by someone with norovirus.

Regular hand washing is the best way to stop the spread. Norovirus can have symptoms