[ad_1]
The world is still not finished with the COVID-19 pandemic and now another highly infectious virus is on the rise. Also known as the vomiting virus, norovirus is highly infectious and causes vomiting and diarrhea, but usually goes away within a few days. This normally peaks during the winter months.
But the bug cases have recently increased across England. Outbreaks have been particularly concentrated in nurseries and day care centers with far more than expected in the summer months, Public Health England (PHE) said.
In the past five weeks, 154 outbreaks have been reported, compared to an average of 53 outbreaks for the same period over the previous five years. PHE said that although young children are affected, there has also been an increase in infection across all age groups.
The total number of laboratory-confirmed norovirus reports across all age groups has also recently increased to levels seen in previous years before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Characteristics of noroviruses
Norovirus is commonly referred to as the winter vomiting bug.
It is easily spread through contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.
Norovirus is highly infectious and causes vomiting and diarrhea, but usually resolves within a few days.
The increase in epidemics has been mainly in educational settings, particularly in nurseries and day care centers.
Symptoms include the sudden onset of nausea, projectile vomiting, and diarrhea.
Symptoms can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain, and sore limbs.
Norovirus can be spread through food contaminated with the virus when food is handled by symptomatic people or by infected people.
Precautions to take
Stay home if you have symptoms of norovirus.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with lukewarm water and soap.
Unlike COVID-19, alcohol gels do not kill noroviruses, so soap and water are best.
A household bleach-based cleaner or a combination of bleach and hot water should be used to disinfect potentially contaminated household surfaces.
If you are ill, avoid cooking and helping to prepare meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms subside.
Wash any contaminated clothing or bedding with detergent and at 60 ° C, and if possible, wear disposable gloves when handling contaminated items.
Source link
