Increase in cases of norovirus in West Yorkshire

15 October 2008

Norovirus, originally known as the ‘winter vomiting disease’, is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales, especially during the winter months when the number of cases tends to increase. The common symptoms are diarrhoea or/ and vomiting (D&V). Vomiting is often sudden and “projectile” and some people may also have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs.

Public health experts are reminding the public of the importance of good hygiene measures as the virus is highly infectious and spreads easily from one person to another, particularly in semi-closed environments like schools, nursing homes and hospitals. Although it can be very unpleasant, it’s generally short-lived and most people make a full recovery within one to two days.

Dr Martin Schweiger, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at West Yorkshire Health Protection Unit, said: “We know that this sort of viral gastroenteritis is around in the community in West Yorkshire at the moment. Many people do not realise how easily it is spread, and therefore just how important it is for infected people and those looking after them to follow good hygiene measures, including thorough hand-washing, particularly after visiting the toilet.

“Any surfaces or objects that could possibly have been contaminated by vomit or faeces during an episode of illness should be thoroughly disinfected and children and adults should stay at home while they have symptoms. It’s important to remember that you can still pass on the infection for a couple of days after the symptoms have stopped and so it’s important to carry on being very careful about hand-washing.

“It’s recommended that patients in hospitals or nursing homes with Norovirus are isolated until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have ceased. Food handlers, children attending schools or nurseries, childminders and those in close contact with other people (such as nursing staff) should remain at home for 48 hours after their symptoms have ceased.”

Dr Schweiger added: “Norovirus can affect people of all ages. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for the virus, apart from letting the illness run its course and so, in the vast majority of cases, there is no additional benefit to visiting a GP or A&E department. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially in the very young or the elderly.”

The Health Protection Agency has the following additional advice if you or anyone in your family is affected by norovirus-type symptoms:

• Drink plenty of fluids and rest to prevent dehydration.
• Make sure that any surface contaminated by vomit or faeces is thoroughly disinfected after an episode of illness.
• If symptoms worsen or persist for more than 48 hours, contact your family doctor or take advice from NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
• Delay any visits to hospitals, care or nursing homes or schools until fully recovered and don’t visit people who are especially vulnerable to infection, such as elderly relatives.
• If visiting someone in hospital, even if you are well, obey the signs for hand washing before entering and after leaving wards.

Further information on norovirus can be found at:

http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/norovirus/menu.htm

Ends

Issued by Charlotte Farrar

0113 284 0618

07810 684 104

Charlotte.farrar@hpa.org.uk

Last reviewed: 20 October 2008