Surge in Norovirus Cases in England More Than Double Expected Figures, Says UKHSA
UKHSA reports a significant rise in norovirus cases, straining hospital capacity and care homes amid new viral strains and increased testing.
Norovirus cases in England have surged to more than double the expected number for this time of year, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Recent data from NHS England revealed that 898 hospital beds were filled daily last week with patients showing symptoms of the virus, marking a 15% increase from the previous week.
The rise in cases is attributed to several factors, including the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype and an increase in testing.
Despite higher detection, laboratory reports reflect only a small portion of the total cases, with an estimated 288 unreported cases in the community for every one reported.
This amounts to approximately 3 million cases annually.
The strain on hospitals is significant, with nearly 20% of beds occupied by patients affected by seasonal viruses and delays in discharges.
Prof. Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, described the situation as a “worrying surge.” NHS England also reported that hospital capacity remained under pressure, with 96% of adult beds occupied and over 97,000 patients in hospitals daily.
Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, and abdominal pains, with the virus spreading rapidly through close contact or contaminated food.
Although most healthy individuals recover within days, vulnerable groups, such as young children and those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of complications, including dehydration.
The UKHSA emphasized the importance of preventing the spread of the virus by advising those infected to avoid visiting hospitals and care homes and to refrain from returning to work or school until 48 hours after symptoms cease.
Proper handwashing with soap and warm water and the use of bleach-based cleaning products are recommended to reduce transmission, as alcohol gels are ineffective against norovirus.
The rise in cases follows a pattern of increasing norovirus activity, with higher case numbers compared to the same period in 2023 and 2022. The emergence of a new genotype, GII.17, and changes in the post-pandemic epidemiology are contributing factors, though there is currently no evidence to suggest this variant causes more severe illness.
Recent data from NHS England revealed that 898 hospital beds were filled daily last week with patients showing symptoms of the virus, marking a 15% increase from the previous week.
The rise in cases is attributed to several factors, including the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype and an increase in testing.
Despite higher detection, laboratory reports reflect only a small portion of the total cases, with an estimated 288 unreported cases in the community for every one reported.
This amounts to approximately 3 million cases annually.
The strain on hospitals is significant, with nearly 20% of beds occupied by patients affected by seasonal viruses and delays in discharges.
Prof. Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, described the situation as a “worrying surge.” NHS England also reported that hospital capacity remained under pressure, with 96% of adult beds occupied and over 97,000 patients in hospitals daily.
Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, and abdominal pains, with the virus spreading rapidly through close contact or contaminated food.
Although most healthy individuals recover within days, vulnerable groups, such as young children and those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of complications, including dehydration.
The UKHSA emphasized the importance of preventing the spread of the virus by advising those infected to avoid visiting hospitals and care homes and to refrain from returning to work or school until 48 hours after symptoms cease.
Proper handwashing with soap and warm water and the use of bleach-based cleaning products are recommended to reduce transmission, as alcohol gels are ineffective against norovirus.
The rise in cases follows a pattern of increasing norovirus activity, with higher case numbers compared to the same period in 2023 and 2022. The emergence of a new genotype, GII.17, and changes in the post-pandemic epidemiology are contributing factors, though there is currently no evidence to suggest this variant causes more severe illness.
