New norovirus alert: UK order 2 days stay-at-home

British citizens were warned today, to prepare for an increase in norovirus outbreaks.

Figure shows that the winter vomiting bug, which may also cause diarrhea, has increased by nearly a fifth in just two weeks.

This indicates that the number of cases in England and Wales at this time of year is more than double observed prior to COVID-19.

Health officials cautioned people not to return to work for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside.

They attributed the increase to the recent cold period.

Experts assert that a variety known as “Kawasaki,”  is now responsible for about 70 per cent of all cases.

This was  initially discovered in Japan, as claimed by experts.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that between October 14 and October 27, 447 confirmed cases of the infection were reported.

Compared to the 384 recorded in the preceding two weeks, this is a 16 per cent increase.

Additionally, it is more than twice the average for the same two weeks for the previous five years.

The number of norovirus outbreaks recorded in hospital settings since the 2024–2025 season began is likewise 26 per cent more than the five-year average.

The real case count, which exclusively includes cases from England, might be substantially higher.

The estimates are based on both suspected and confirmed norovirus outbreaks from NHS hospitals and positive laboratory results.

The majority of infected people recover at home after experiencing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

According to UKHSA, the variety known as GII.17 has been primarily responsible for the increase in cases.

With its initial detection in the Japanese city in 2014, the strain has been dubbed ‘Kawasaki’.

‘The increase of the variant has been observed in other counties and is being closely monitored,’ the health body said.

Close contact with an infected person is one of the ways in which the virus is disseminated.

Other means of spreading include touching infected surfaces or objects and subsequently touching the mouth, and consuming food contaminated by a norovirus carrier.

The best defense against the spread is frequent hand washing.

Both the norovirus and the COVID-19 pandemic can cause chills, fever, and headaches.

In two to three days, the stomach bug normally goes gone on its own.

However, patients are encouraged to remain at home for 48 hours after their symptoms have subsided, even though they may also have hurting arms and legs.

In extreme situations, some patients would need to be admitted to the hospital, with youngsters and the elderly being the most vulnerable.

Health chiefs often advise rest and drinking plenty of water.

Additionally, paracetamol can help with aches and pains and fevers.

But last week, a health specialist cautioned against taking Ibuprofen due to concerns that it can irritate the lining of the stomach.

Savneesh Bhogal, a healthcare specialist at Netex, stated that the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) may also increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.

This is because the drug lowers the body’s synthesis of prostaglandins.

And these are hormone-like chemicals that shield the stomach lining, according to report.

The increase in infections also coincides with trials in the UK of a novel vaccination that may prevent norovirus.

According to the Health Secretary, Moderna’s mRNA vaccine is nearing the end of its testing phase and has so far produced a “strong immune response.”

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