Warning on increased levels of vomiting bug

The Agency recommends simple, practical steps to minimise the risk of illness to others, especially older people and those with underlying conditions who may be more vulnerable. Both the Agency and the Western Trust made this call in the wake of a rise in cases of the illness being reported to GPs and among patients in local hospitals.

Dr Lorraine Doherty, Assistant Director of Health Protection, PHA, said: “Winter vomiting virus, also known as norovirus, is a frequent hazard to health that causes unpleasant and brief illness for many people. The most commonly reported symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can begin suddenly. In some people these are also accompanied with a raised temperature, headache and sore limbs. The illness can last as little as 12 hours or up to three days. The only treatment is to stay at home, rest, take plenty of fluids, and to reduce contact with others both in the home and at work. It is very important for people who have symptoms of illness not to visit hospitals or their GP surgery.”

Dr Doherty emphasised that winter vomiting virus is very infectious and can be easily spread in close-knit communities such as residential or nursing homes, schools, hospitals and workplaces.

“We are reminding people that this unpleasant bug is once again with us and of the steps we can all take to protect ourselves and others,” said Dr Doherty. The risk of infection can be reduced by:

• Always maintaining good personal hygiene, especially washing your hands after visits to the toilet and before meals.

• Avoiding visits to friends or relatives in hospital or residential and nursing homes.

• Avoiding visiting your GP’s surgery – it is much better to phone in for advice first.

• Staying off school or work until at least 48 hours after any symptoms of sickness.

Dr Doherty continued: “The reality for most people is that this is a short-term, unpleasant illness, with most of us getting better within a few days. However, we can all play a part in keeping it at bay and protecting those more vulnerable people to whom it can present a more serious risk. The PHA greatly values the help of the community in following this advice.”

Dr Anne Kilgallen, Medical Director, Western Trust added: “When an increase in vomiting and diarrhoea is experienced in the community it can have an impact on hospital services.

“The Trust has experienced an increase in the number of patients coming into hospital with vomiting and diarrhoea over recent weeks. Restrictions on visiting have been put in place, alongside other infection prevention and control measures and enhanced cleaning. We would ask the public to adhere to these measures, when advised by staff, as they are both in the best interest of patients and the visiting public.

“Visitors are being urged to cooperate with ongoing infection prevention and control measures. Visitors to the hospital should wash their hands thoroughly before and after visiting and avoid visiting the hospital if they are feeling unwell, particularly if they have diarrhoea or vomiting and they are asked not to bring small children to visit. Visitors are requested to visit only one patient whilst at the hospital and not to move among patients and from ward to ward when visiting.”