Bug Outbreak In UK: Norovirus Among School Children, Know The Symptoms

Many parents in a UK school have claimed that their children were vomiting. This was due to the bug outbreak that hit the schools there. As reported by The Mirror, a bug outbreak at Telscombe Cliffs Academy near Brighton left children sick and vomiting, that too, on each other.

What is this bug outbreak?

This is caused by norovirus, which is a 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.

There are also several types of strain, which can cause inflammation of your stomach. There are 10 groups and 48 types in the Caliciviridae family of virus, from where norovirus also belongs. The most common type is GII.4. It also affects around 685 million people each year, out of those, 200 million are children.

What are the common symptoms? How Long does it last?

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.

Treatment

While there is no specific treatment, antibiotics also do not work on viral infection. The best thing is to manage the symptoms and keeping yourself hydrated to replace the food you lose from vomiting and diarrhea.