Cases are soaring forcing closures of hospital wards as people told to isolate for two days
In a new worrying alert health bosses have warned that a bug which is sweeping through the UK ‘like wildfire’ and with soaring hospital admissions can now be caught twice. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that the norovirus outbreak is seeing rocketing infections – with hospitals and care homes badly hit.
In a new post on X the UKHSA highlighted a a worrying development – the virus has mutated meaning people who already have had it once, could get it again. It said: “In case you missed the latest #Norovirus data: cases are still increasing, 29.4% higher than the previous 2-week period.
“People who have already had the virus this winter could be at risk again, due to a shift in circulating genotypes.” The UKHSA said confirmed cases in the 2 weeks from 3 to 16 February 2025 – the latest dates for which figures have been released – were 29.4% higher than the previous fortnight and more than double the 5-season average (168.0%) for the same 2-week period. It said the impact is particularly severe in hospitals and care homes, with cases highest among people aged 65 and over.
It explained the increased activity this season is associated with the recently emerged GII.17 genotype. Officials added: ”However, the latest data shows that a different, but commonly seen genotype (GII.4) is now increasing. Prior to the emergence of GII.17, GII.4 is the genotype that is most commonly detected and increased each winter. While the GII.17 genotype remains dominant, accounting for 59% of cases, its prevalence has dropped from 76% since November. Meanwhile, the GII.4 strain has sharply risen, now representing 29% of cases compared to just 10% three months ago.
“This means that people who have already had norovirus this season may catch it again, as having one genotype does not fully protect against the other. However, at present there is no indication that either GII.17 or GII.4 leads to more severe illness.” Brits have been urged to stay home for two days if they experience symptoms.
Common symptoms of norovirus include:
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhoea
- high temperature
- abdominal pain
- aching limbs
Some people, particularly young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe symptoms, which can cause dehydration. Anyone with these symptoms should drink plenty of fluids.
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high and now with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season.
“We are seeing the biggest impacts in health and social care settings, such as hospitals and care homes. Symptoms of norovirus can be more severe in older adults, young children and those who are immunocompromised. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, please do not visit hospitals and care homes or return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped. And don’t prepare food for others, as you can still pass on the virus during this time.
“Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus. Wash your hands with soapy warm water and clean surfaces with bleach-based products where possible to help stop infections from spreading.”
