Norovirus Outbreaks Rise Across England As Covid Restrictions Are Lifted

Norovirus case in England are “unexpected[ly]”high for the time of year, health officials have warned.

As England consider entering their fourth and final phase of reopening On Monday July 19, Public Health England (PHE) is warning people to take action to avoid catching and spreading the so-called winter vomiting virus.

According to PHE, 154 norovirus outbreaks have been reported in the past five weeks, compared to an average of 53 in the same period over the previous five years.

Outbreaks of the highly infectious but usually short-lived virus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, have been mainly reported in early childhood education facilities, PHE said.

Cases are returning to pre-pandemic levels as England is set to reopen and could threaten the already ‘strained’ healthcare system, experts have warned.

Scientists coined the term “Immunity debt” to describe the phenomenon that occurs when people who have not been exposed to normal levels of viruses and bacteria experience an upsurge in infections while normal life resumes.

Dr Nick Scriven, outgoing president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: ‘We are just days away from lifting the remaining restrictions in England and our NHS is under great pressure.

“This was compounded today by the warning that cases of norovirus, commonly known as winter vomiting viruses, have now reached pre-pandemic levels in the summer.

“Considering the impact it has when it gets into hospitals – bed closures, infection of seriously ill people and absence of staff – it’s frankly very disturbing.

“Right now, clinicians across the country are wondering exactly what the government thinks as health care is ravaged. “

According to PHE, norovirus is easily transmitted through contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.

Prof Saheer Gharbia, deputy director of the National Infection Service, PHE, said cases of the virus have increased as restrictions have eased, with more opportunities to spread between people in the community.

He said: “Symptoms include the sudden onset of nausea, projectile vomiting and diarrhea, but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and sore limbs.

“Stay home if you have symptoms of norovirus and don’t return to work or send children to school or nursery for 48 hours after symptoms disappear.

“As with Covid-19, hand washing is really important in helping to stop the spread of this virus, but remember, unlike Covid-19, alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so soap and water are the best. ”

Other PHE tips include the use of a “household bleach-based cleaner or a combination of bleach and hot water” to disinfect potentially contaminated household surfaces and commonly used items. used; wash contaminated clothing or bedding with detergent and at 60 ° C, preferably wear disposable gloves and, for those infected, avoid cooking and helping prepare meals for others for up to 48 hours after completion symptoms.