Health officials are warning the public to aware of symptoms of Norovirus as the 'winter vomiting bug' is at its highest level in a decade. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed on Thursday (February 9) that reports of the virus are 66% higher than the average for this time of year.
The number of outbreaks has jumped significantly in hospitals, schools and care homes with the majority taking place in care homes, according to (UKHSA). The rise is affecting over-65s in particular, as levels expected to be high within that age group, however this year has seen a particularly "sharp increase."
Hospital cases of norovirus in England have nearly doubled week-on-week, according to NHS data. An average of 743 adult hospital beds were occupied last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, up 88% from 393 in the week to January 29.
