Hospitals in the UK are issuing immediate warnings as an outbreak of a highly infectious Norovirus continues to spread, indicating concerns of a broad international crisis. The virus, commonly known as “Winter Vomiting Bug”, has caused an increase in cases, with 400 alone reported in the first seven weeks of 2025. Health officials are now on high alert, urging people to take strict hygiene precautions to curb further infections.

Growing Norovirus cases and new versions

The British Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed that a new stress is promoting the GII.17 version, outbreak. Public health experts believe that because it is a new version, most people have no immunity, which increases the chances of serious illness.

A HSE spokesperson told The Sun, “During the winter 2024–2025, there has been an increased level of Norovirus activity in the Northern Hemisphere. Because it is a new version, people will only have partial immunity, which risk infection. ,

This outbreak is not limited to the UK, as similar spikes have been seen in cases in the United States and many European countries, increasing the fear of a global health concern.

Symptoms of Norovirus infection

Norovirus is a highly infectious virus that spreads easily to crowded places, such as hospitals, schools and care homes. The virus is mainly transmitted through close contact with contaminated food, water, surfaces or infected person.

Common symptoms of Norovirus include:

– Severe vomiting

– Water diarrhea

– Nausea and stomach cramps

– Fever and chills

– Body pain and fatigue

– Headache

Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last for one to three days. While most people recover without complications, the disease can be serious for young children, elderly and people with weak immune systems.

How to prevent Norovirus infection

Public health officials emphasized the importance of strict hygiene measures to prevent the spread of Norovirus. Major preventive stages include:

1. Constant handwashing: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, before eating, and after handling the contaminated surfaces. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are less effective against Norovirus.

2. Proper food handling: Avoid consuming raw or undercurcated shellfish, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and disinfect the kitchen surfaces.

3. Avoid close contact with infected individuals: Norovirus spreads rapidly in shared places. If someone is ill, limit direct contact and clean shared surfaces often.

4. Stay at home if sick: People who experience those symptoms should stay at home for at least 48 hours after recovering from spreading the virus.

5. Contaminated surfaces disinfected surface: Use bleach-based cleaner to clean the surfaces that may be exposed to the virus, including bathroom fixtures and kitchen counters.

With the increase in outbreak of Norovirus, health officials urged the public to be vigilant. Any person who experiences symptoms should seek medical advice, especially if symptoms remain or deteriorate.

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