The government has released the most recent norovirus statistics for the UK, following a warning from the UKHSA last week that the country could be on the brink of a second wave of the virus. Laboratory reports reached the highest levels since such data began to be recorded in 2014.
Norovirus cases initially surged at the end of January, averaging 898 hospitalisations per day in the week commencing January 20. The latest update, issued today, March 6, indicates a decline in cases, yet health authorities maintain that the figures remain at “very high levels.”
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director for NHS England, cautioned that despite warmer weather, the new data shows that winter pressures persist for NHS staff, who continue to “work tirelessly to treat thousands of patients with norovirus and other nasty winter viruses each day”.
NHS data reveals that last week, an average of 1,094 hospital beds were occupied daily by patients suffering from diarrhoea, vomiting, or norovirus-like symptoms. This represents a modest 4% decrease from 1,134 the previous week and remains only 6% lower than the record peak of 1,160 two weeks prior.
The NHS has warned that the norovirus is exerting significant pressure on hospitals, with over 40,000 bed days lost to the vomiting bug in February alone. An additional 273 beds had to be closed due to infection prevention and control measures, exacerbating capacity issues and resulting in 43,938 bed days lost to norovirus last month, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis commented: “Despite the sunnier weather this week showing some early signs of Spring, these latest figures show winter is certainly not over for NHS staff who are continuing to work tirelessly to treat thousands of patients with norovirus and other nasty winter viruses each day.”
He added: “Last month, the NHS lost almost 44,000 bed days to norovirus, adding to already incredibly pressured bed occupancy levels, and with flu, RSV and staff absences all up on last year, we are certainly not out of the woods yet.”
He urged the public to help curb the spread of norovirus by washing their hands frequently with soap and water and avoiding contact with others if they’re unwell until they have been symptom-free for two days.
The NHS lists the main symptoms of norovirus as follows:
- feeling sick
- being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
