Norovirus Cases Surge to Highest Winter Level in England, NHS Warns of Second Peak
The number of patients with norovirus in hospitals across England has reached its highest point this winter, prompting concerns of a “second surge” as the National Health Service (NHS) continues to grapple with significant winter pressures. New figures reveal an average of 1,012 hospital beds were occupied by norovirus patients each day in the week leading up to February 15th – a 9% increase from the previous week.
The UK Health Security Agency reported 981 positive laboratory results for norovirus over the two weeks ending February 15th, representing a 38% rise compared to the long-term average of 713 for the same period. This increase comes after a period where infection numbers had appeared to stabilize earlier in the month.
Dr. Claire Fuller, NHS national medical director for England, emphasized the importance of preventing a further escalation of the outbreak. “It’s vital that we do all we can to avoid a second surge in norovirus at a time when the NHS remains flat out coping with winter pressures,” she stated.
Dr. Fuller urged the public to take proactive steps to limit the spread of the highly contagious virus. “The public has a huge role to play in stopping the spread of this bug by taking some simple precautions like good hand hygiene with regular handwashing with soap and water,” she explained. She also advised individuals experiencing symptoms to stay home, rest, and stay hydrated, and to avoid visiting vulnerable settings such as schools, workplaces, hospitals, and care homes for at least two days after symptoms subside.
At the end of January, an average of 950 hospital beds were filled daily by patients exhibiting norovirus symptoms. While cases had briefly leveled off in early February, the recent upward trend has raised alarms among health officials.
The rising number of cases is also impacting hospital capacity. The average number of adult hospital beds closed due to norovirus symptoms this week is up more than 8% on last week, and has risen by over 190% on the first full week of January. Hospitals are already facing high levels of demand, with over 2,800 more ambulance handovers with known handover times compared to the same week last year.
Norovirus is known as the most common cause of infectious vomiting, and diarrhoea. It spreads easily through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. While most people recover fully within two to three days, the virus can lead to dehydration, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
In January, four hospital trusts in southeast England declared critical incidents due to “significant and sustained pressures” on services, exacerbated by a surge in flu and norovirus cases, and an increase in staff sickness. NHS Surrey Heartlands noted at the time that the situation was being worsened by the rise in both flu and norovirus infections, alongside increased staff absences.
Last winter, weekly flu numbers in England peaked at 5,408 patients. Currently, 24 flu patients are in critical care beds, a decrease from 43 the previous week.
