Urgent ‘keep at house’ demand issued to Brits as instances of lethal abdomen virus soar throughout UK

The government has released a statement altering the British public to a deadly stomach virus working its way through the country, whilst flu, COVID and RSV continues to cause havoc

UK health officials have issued an urgent warning after contagious virus cases reach ‘exceptionally high’ rates. The British public have been urged to stay at home if experiencing any symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting, as a very contagious disease sweeps the nation.

Alarming statistics shared by the UK Health Security Agency show abnormally high infection rates of norovirus. Cases are up 17.4% compared to the previous fortnight, and with a 22.6% increase of hospitalisations as a result of the illness.

Total reports of norovirus have surged 116.7% higher than average for this time of year. In a statement issuing advice, Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director at UKHSA said: “Norovirus cases are still exceptionally high and continue to rise.

“Half term usually provides a bit of a firebreak, so hopefully we will see a fall in numbers in the next few weeks.

“However, it’s really important that if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Please avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.

“Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. This is because you can still pass on the virus in the days after you stop being sick.

“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”

Norovirus can be spotted with tell-tale symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, usually accompanied by a high temperature, abdominal pain, and aching limbs. The dangers of contracting the disease lies in dehydration, due to the common symptom of vomiting.

Vulnerably groups such as young children, older people and the immunocompromised may be more are risk, and are advised to drink plenty of liquids.

The surge in cases is likely due to an increase in lab reports and changes to testing, reporting, and national surveillance of disease. The UK government’s website has stated: “Further work to understand the drivers of the increased reporting is underway.”

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters