Norovirus warning as levels in England ‘very high’ - the symptoms you need to look for

Norovirus levels in England remain “very high” with hospital cases more than double the number for this point last year, new figures show.

Most reported cases are among people aged 65 and over, but outbreaks in schools are running above the five-year average and are particularly affecting very young children. Health experts warned the NHS is still feeling the impact of winter viruses, with Covid-19 admissions adding to demand for beds, though flu numbers are continuing to fall.

An average of 551 adult hospital beds in England were occupied last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, according to NHS data. This is broadly unchanged from 547 in the previous week, but is more than double the average of 264 at this stage in 2022.

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Norovirus is the most common infectious cause of vomiting and diarrhoea. It spreads easily through contact with someone who has the virus or with contaminated surfaces.

As well as diarrhoea and being sick, the bug can cause a high temperature, a headache and aching arms and legs. Most people make a full recovery within two or three days, although the virus can lead to dehydration, especially among the very young, elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

Dr Lesley Larkin, surveillance lead for gastrointestinal infections and food safety at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “While most outbreaks of norovirus continue to be reported in care homes, outbreaks in educational settings have returned to pre-pandemic levels in recent weeks and are particularly affecting children in early years educational settings.

“Norovirus levels continue to be very high