New Strain Of Norovirus Detected, Cases Are At All-Time-High

It has been a long season of illness, diseases and infections and it feels like it is going to stay even further. Experts from the UK’s Health Security Agency have warned that people who have already had norovirus, which is also called the winter bug, or the vomiting bug, could be at risk of catching it again this season.

As per the data, a different strain of the virus is on the rise. However, research also shows that having only one strain does not guarantee that you will not catch it again. It is a cause of concern again, as it is particularly severe for young children, older people and people with weakened immune systems.

As per the reports and the figures, the cases are currently “exceptionally high” with numbers at more than double the five-season-average for this time of year. Amy Douglas, the lead epidemiologist at the UKHSA, told the BBC that the biggest impact was seen in hospitals and care homes. “With multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season," she said. Cases are also higher than expected because of the emergence of the recent strain which is called the GII.17. However, the more number of cases are also being reported because of improved testing.

What Does The Recent Data Show?

Recent data indicates that a different but more common strain of norovirus is spreading.

This means individuals who have already had one strain of the virus could still be at risk of reinfection, as immunity to one variant does not provide full protection against another.

However, there is no evidence to suggest that either strain causes more severe illness than usual.

Norovirus cases typically decline as temperatures rise, but the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says it is too early to determine whether infections have peaked.

Hospitalizations remain close to record levels, with an average of 1,134 patients admitted daily last week. While this is a slight drop from the previous week’s 1,160 cases, it is still nearly two and a half times higher than the same period last year.

What Is Norovirus?

Also called the bug outbreak, it is caused by the group of viruses that cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. As per the UK Health Security Agency, data for the current 2024-25 season in England shows that norovirus laboratory reports are notably higher than the 5-season average.

The data also shows that norovirus typically increases through autumn and into winter, however, this year, an unusual rise has been noticed. The Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) is showing more outbreaks than average.

Dr Luke Powles, Associate Clinical Director, Health Clinics Bupa Global and UK also explained that this virus is also called the winter vomiting bug and is "one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK. It is highly contagious, so spreads easily". The doctor also notes that while the name suggest 'winter', you can get it any time of the year, though it is most common in colder months.

How Do You Get The Virus?

For most people, having norovirus is unpleasant, but mild and recovery could be made in 1 to 2 days. However, it could be more serious for babies, older people and anyone with any existing health condition.

Anyone can get the virus by accidentally getting particles of virus in your mouth and ingesting it. These particles are from faeces or vomit from infected people, or can be transmitted via contaminated food and water. It could also spread by touching unclean surfaces like door handles or cutlery.

It is also the No.1 cause of foodborne illness in the US and first occurred in Norwalk, Ohio, in a school in 1968. This is why the first strain is named after the location and is called the Norwalk virus.

It is the main cause of gastroenteritis. The common symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Projectile vomiting
• Watery diarrhea

Usually it lasts for up to 2 days, though for anyone as mentioned above with an existing health condition, or babies who do not yet have a fully developed immune systems, children and older people may be at more risk. If your symptoms are not relieved in 2 days, or it worsens, or you have a serious illness, it is best to consult your doctor.