Stay-home warning issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned you to stay home for 48 hours if you catch the highly contagious G11.17 variant of the Norovirus. The agency said in its weekly update that this variant has shown signs of being responsible for the majority of cases during the 2024/25 winter.
The report also said Norovirus activity is “now increasing again across all age groups, with the largest increase in adults aged 65 and over”. Between 4 and 17 November 2024, there was a 31.6% increase compared to the previous fortnight.
The total number of reported cases was almost double the five-season average. The number of cases reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2024/2025 season is 19.4% higher than the five-season average.
While some of the additional reporting of cases could be due to the increased use of PCR multiplex technology – a test that identifies different gastrointestinal pathogens at once – “it is possible that the increase was due to the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype GII.17, changes in the epidemiology following the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors.”
The UKHSA has revealed that 89% of cases this season have been identified as norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), with the most common being GII.17 (66.3%).
This variant has also increased in other countries during 2024 and is being closely monitored. However, the agency has assured that there is currently no evidence that it causes more severe illness.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Warning Issued | UKHSA advises staying home for 48 hours after symptoms of norovirus appear. |
| Norovirus Activity | Cases are rising across all age groups, particularly among adults 65+. |
| Key Statistics |
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| Common Norovirus Symptoms |
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| Prevention Tips |
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| Other Virus Updates |
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| Vaccination Advice | Vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV are recommended to prevent severe illness during winter. |
Symptoms of Norovirus
The UKHSA said that symptoms of Norovirus include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, but can also include high fever, abdominal pain and muscle aches. Norovirus infection can cause dehydration, particularly in vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids when sick.
Epidemiologist Amy Douglas said:
"We are seeing high levels of Norovirus in our community. If you have the virus, take steps to protect others from being infected. If you have diarrhoea or vomiting, do not return to work, school or nursery for 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and do not prepare food for others in the meantime.
"If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to help prevent the spread of infection in these settings." Washing your hands with soap and warm water and cleaning surfaces with bleach will also help prevent the spread of infection. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill the virus, so don’t rely on them alone.”
COVID, Flu, and RSV Update
The weekly update also provides the latest on COVID, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It said COVID levels are stable, but both flu and RSV have increased.
He added:
“As we see more patients coming to the emergency department with RSV, it’s important to recognize the symptoms. Some of the key signs of a serious RSV infection include a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and difficulty eating. If you think your child is seriously ill, seek immediate medical attention, and further advice can be found on the NHS website."
Dr Alexander Allen said:
"Flu is the main reason for the increase in winter illnesses last week, and there has also been an increase in emergency department attendances. People who are still eligible for the flu, Covid-19 or RSV vaccine should book ahead of the busy winter season."
