Surge in Norovirus Cases Raises Concerns for Health Officials
Norovirus cases are peaking at their highest levels in over a decade, prompting health officials to issue warnings about a potential second wave that could affect individuals who have already contracted the virus this winter. The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates a continuous rise in cases of this highly contagious vomiting bug across the nation.
In the two weeks leading up to 16 February, laboratory-confirmed norovirus cases surged by nearly 30 percent compared to the previous fortnight, and were more than double the five-season average for this same two-week timeframe. These numbers represent the highest levels recorded since the UKHSA began systematic reporting in 2014. The impact has been particularly severe among vulnerable populations, especially those aged 65 and over, within hospitals and care homes.
Typically, norovirus cases start to decline around this time of year as temperatures rise; however, it is still too early to determine whether the virus has reached its peak for the current season, according to the UKHSA. The high incidence of norovirus this winter has been linked to a newly emerged genotype known as GII.17. Interestingly, recent data indicates that another, more commonly seen genotype—GII.4—is now on the rise. Historically, GII.4 has been the most frequently detected strain during winter months.
While GII.17 remains the dominant genotype, accounting for 59 percent of cases, its prevalence has decreased from 76 percent since November. In contrast, the GII.4 strain has experienced a significant increase, now representing 29 percent of cases, a rise from just 10 percent three months ago. This shift suggests that individuals who have already contracted norovirus this season may be susceptible to reinfection, as having immunity to one genotype does not guarantee protection against another. Fortunately, there is currently no evidence to suggest that either GII.17 or GII.4 leads to more severe illness.
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, emphasized, “Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high, and with multiple genotypes circulating simultaneously, people could be at risk of reinfection more than once this season.”
Recognizing Norovirus Symptoms
Common symptoms associated with norovirus include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- High temperature
- Abdominal pain
- Aching limbs
Certain demographics, particularly young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems, may experience more severe symptoms that can lead to dehydration. It is crucial for anyone exhibiting these symptoms to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
Douglas added, “We are witnessing significant impacts in health and social care settings, such as hospitals and care homes. Symptoms of norovirus can be particularly severe in older adults, young children, and those who are immunocompromised. If you are experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting, we strongly advise against visiting hospitals and care homes or returning to work, school, or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have resolved. Additionally, please refrain from preparing food for others, as transmission of the virus can still occur during this period.”
It is important to note that alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not eliminate norovirus. The best preventive measure is to wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water and to disinfect surfaces with bleach-based products whenever possible to mitigate the spread of infections.
The alarming rise in norovirus cases comes as the number of hospital beds occupied by patients suffering from the virus is nearly 150 percent higher than last year, according to recent figures. Currently, an average of 1,134 patients are hospitalized daily due to norovirus, slightly down from the previous week’s average of 1,160, but still nearly two and a half times higher than the same period last year, which saw an average of 470 patients.
In addition, the number of patients hospitalized due to Covid-19 has seen a modest increase of 4 percent, rising to 1,027 from 984. Conversely, flu cases in hospitals continue to decline, with an average of 1,656 patients hospitalized last week, including 80 in critical care, reflecting a 5.7 percent decrease from the previous week.
Addressing the Ongoing Health Crisis
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England, stated, “Hospitals are nearing capacity due to seasonal illnesses, and it is imperative that individuals take measures to reduce the spread of what can be a highly unpleasant illness.”
The NHS England data released on Thursday reveals that ambulance handover delays increased by over a fifth (22 percent) in the last week, amounting to 22,796 hours compared to 18,688 hours the week prior. Handover delays occur when ambulances arrive at accident and emergency departments but cannot transfer patients to hospital staff due to overcrowding, preventing paramedics from returning to their duties promptly.
Furthermore, the number of patients who are medically fit to leave hospital but remain admitted is still high, with one in seven beds occupied by individuals who could be cared for elsewhere. Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of NHS Providers, highlighted, “NHS wards are filled to capacity with barely any spare beds. The ongoing situation is exacerbated by the number of patients, almost one in seven, who are well enough to go home but cannot do so, often due to pressures on social and community care services.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting remarked, “These statistics underscore that we are still navigating through a challenging winter period. I extend my gratitude to all NHS staff for their tireless efforts amidst substantial pressures on the health service. We have initiated crucial measures to alleviate winter pressures this year, including reintegrating doctors back onto the frontline and launching the country’s first RSV vaccination scheme. Through the government’s Plan for Change, we are committed to delivering the necessary investment and reforms to revitalize our health service, ensuring it is there for everyone when needed.”
