Norovirus stomach bug warning

Norovirus is again circulating widely in the local community so people are being reminded to stay away from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital if they have been in recent contact with the tummy bug.

Norovirus is most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in the UK and is most prevalent during autumn and winter. Norovirus causes nausea and/or diarrhoea and is easily spread in places where group of people are in close proximity for reasonable amounts of time such as schools, residential homes, hospitals and workplaces.

One ward at NNUH is currently closed due to Norovirus and patients on four other wards also have the viral illness. The viral symptoms last around two days and no specific treatment is required.

Dr Helen Williams, consultant microbiologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: “It's very important that people who have had the virus, or been in close contact with someone who has had it, take precautions to avoid spreading it. That means not going back to work or school until two days after the symptoms have stopped. People should also avoid visiting places like hospitals and residential homes if they have had the bug or been in contact with it over the past three days.

“We also recommend, as a matter of routine, that all visitors should wash their hands with hot water and soap because alcohol gel is only effective against some bacteria.”

For more information about Norovirus please visit www.nnuh.nhs.uk/dept/norovirus

What are Noroviruses?
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that are the most common cause of gastroenteritis (stomach bugs) in England and Wales, affecting up to one million people a year. Noroviruses has also been called ‘winter vomiting viruses’, ‘small round structured viruses’ or ‘Norwalk-like viruses’.

How does it spread?
The virus is easily transmitted from one person to another. It can be transmitted by contact with infected person; by consuming contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of norovirus infection will begin around 12 to 48 hours after becoming infected. The illness is self-limiting and the symptoms will last for 12 to 60 hours. They will start with the sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting, and watery diarrhoea. Some people may have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs. Most people make a full recovery within one to two days, however some people (usually the very young or elderly) may become very dehydrated and require hospital treatment.

Why does norovirus often cause outbreaks?
Norovirus often causes outbreaks because it is easily spread from one person to another and the virus is able to survive in the environment for many days. Because there are many different strains of norovirus, and immunity is short-lived outbreaks tend to affect more than 50 per cent of susceptible people. Outbreaks usually tend to affect people who are in semi-closed environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools and on cruise ships.

How can these outbreaks be stopped?
Outbreaks can be difficult to control and long-lasting because norovirus is easily transmitted from one person to another and the virus can survive in the environment. The most effective way to respond to an outbreak is to disinfect contaminated areas and to institute good hygiene measures including hand-washing and provide advice on food handling and also isolating those infected for up to 48 hours after their symptoms have ceased.

How is norovirus treated?
There is no specific treatment for norovirus apart from letting the illness run its course. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

If I’m suffering from norovirus, how can I prevent others from becoming infected?
Good hygiene is important in preventing others from becoming infected – this includes thorough hand washing before and after contact. Food preparation should also be avoided until three days after symptoms have gone altogether.

When can I visit if I’ve had the virus/been in contact with someone who has had the virus ?
If you have been free of the symptoms mentioned above from more than 48 hours or the person/s you have been in contact with has been free of the symptoms then it is acceptable to visit the hospital. If your symptoms are more recent than that we strongly recommend that you don’t visit. IF IN ANY DOUBT PLEASE DON’T VISIT.