Hospital bed occupancy due to norovirus in England reached its highest point this winter during the week ending February 15th, according to recent data released Thursday. An average of 1,012 hospital beds per day were filled with patients experiencing symptoms of the highly contagious virus, a 9% increase from the previous week.
The surge in cases comes despite earlier indications that norovirus activity had begun to stabilize, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). While overall cases have leveled off, outbreaks within hospitals remain elevated, prompting concerns about ongoing pressures on the National Health Service (NHS).
Over the two weeks to February 15th, the UKHSA recorded 981 laboratory-confirmed cases of norovirus, a figure 38% higher than the five-season average for the same period. Dr. Claire Fuller, NHS national medical director for England, warned of a potential “second surge” as the health service continues to manage winter demands.
“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,” Dr. Fuller stated. She urged the public to practice decent hand hygiene, washing regularly with soap and water, and to stay home if experiencing symptoms for at least two days, avoiding contact with vulnerable individuals.
Norovirus, often referred to as the “winter vomiting bug,” causes vomiting and diarrhoea and spreads easily through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. While most people recover within a few days, the virus can lead to dehydration, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
The current rise in norovirus cases follows a period of significant pressure on the NHS, with four hospital trusts in southeast England declaring critical incidents in January due to a surge in complex A&E admissions, exacerbated by increases in flu and norovirus, as well as staff sickness. Hospital admissions climbed sharply in December, from an average of 861 to 3,140 in mid-December.
While norovirus cases are elevated, flu cases are declining. Last winter, weekly flu numbers peaked at 5,408 patients in England. As of the latest data, 24 flu patients were in critical care beds, down from 43 the previous week.
The UKHSA has reminded the public that alcohol-based hand gels are ineffective against norovirus, emphasizing the importance of thorough handwashing with soap and water and the use of bleach-based cleaning products to disinfect surfaces.
