The HSE has reported a spike in noravirus cases since the beginning of the year.
Noravirus, which is commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, is one of the most common stomach bugs in Ireland. Besides vomiting, it can also cause diarrhoea and fever.
The HPSC recorded 394 cases of the illness over the past 10 weeks in Ireland. The numbers are almost four times higher than the number of cases reported in the first 10 weeks of 2022, with just 109 cases of noravirus reported.
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HPSC consultant in public health medicine Dr Paul McKeown said: "If you or any family members develop forceful vomiting, do not visit your GP’s surgery without phoning ahead first. It is often impossible to prevent norovirus, however, taking good hygiene measures around someone who is infected can reduce your chance of getting infected.”"
The majority of cases are presenting in the very young and very old, with 50 per cent of cases recorded amongst those aged over 65. Hand washing is more effective than relying on alcohol based hand sanitiser, as these do not often kill the virus.
People experiencing sudden onset vomiting or diarrhoea should stay at home for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have passed. The illness usually spreads through close contact, eating contaminated food and touching surfaces.
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