Norovirus is circulating in the community and recent weeks have seen a rise in outbreak in care homes within Hertfordshire.
Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug (although it can strike at any time of year), is a stomach bug that causes sickness and diarrhoea. It is easily transmitted through contact with people with the infection and any surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with the virus. Symptoms include sudden onset of nausea, projectile vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs.
For most people this is an unpleasant, short-lived illness and they make a full recovery within 2 to 3 days without needing any medicine. However, some groups such as the elderly or those with weakened immunity – are at risk of suffering more serious and prolonged illness, which may require medical treatment.
Taking the following simple precautions can help reduce the risk of Norovirus spreading this winter:
- Good hand hygiene is important to stop norovirus spreading. To avoid catching norovirus or passing it on to others wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water. This is most important following an episode of illness, after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food, as well as cleaning up vomit or diarrhoea. Remember! alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not effective against Norovirus.
- Stay at home and do not return to work until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.
- Disinfect contaminated surfaces, use bleach-based cleaning products. Clean kitchen and toilet areas regularly.
- Wear appropriate PPE when handling bodily fluid such as vomit or diarrhoea.
- Avoid cooking and helping to prepare meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, as norovirus can be spread through contaminated food when it is handled by people shedding the virus.
- Stay hydrated -vomiting and diarrhoea causes the body to lose water and salts, which can lead to dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent this.
- Visitors must be asked not to visit if they are feeling unwell. Click here for our visitor poster.
If you suspect an outbreak of Norovirus in your setting this should be reported to UKHSA East Of England Health Protection Team promptly.
Tel.no: 0300 303 8537 or email: eastofenglandhpt@ukhsa.gov.uk
For further information:
Norovirus (vomiting bug) – NHS
Norovirus: managing outbreaks in acute and community health and social care settings – GOV.UK
Norovirus: What to do if you catch it and helping to stop the spread – UK Health Security Agency