Norovirus Syndromic Surveillance

Syndromic surveillance systems can be a useful indicator of increased levels of norovirus activity in the community. Although syndromes are not specific diagnoses, increased numbers of calls to NHS Direct for vomiting in the past has been associated with an increase in community-based norovirus activity. PubMed [external link]
 

Norovirus is predominantly, but not exclusively, a wintertime illness. Increased norovirus activity occurs in late autumn or early winter, but is not entirely predictable. Research showing the association with increased calls for vomiting to NHS Direct focused on developing thresholds to provide an early warning of norovirus activity. This information is useful to ensure that hospitals and long term residential facilities are prepared for increased numbers of cases. Increased numbers of calls to NHS Direct for diarrhoea have also shown a weak association with norovirus, but is more strongly associated with rotavirus infections, which are more prevalent in late winter and early spring.

The HPA routinely publish norovirus laboratory and outbreak reports.