As COVID-19 limitations are eased, public health experts are warning of an increase of the vomiting bug norovirus.

The norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is most prevalent during the winter months.

However, the bug’s prevalence has lately increased in England.

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Public Health England (PHE) has warned:

According to PHE, outbreaks have been focused in nursery and childcare institutions, with much more than anticipated over the summer months.

There have been 154 outbreaks reported in the last five weeks, compared to an average of 53 outbreaks in the preceding five years.

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According to PHE, although small children have been impacted, there has also been an increase in all age groups.

The Deputy Head of the National Infection Service of PHE, Saheer Gharbia, said:

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Norovirus can be easily spread through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.

Experts recommend disinfecting contaminated home surfaces, as well as frequently used items such as toilets, taps, telephones, door knobs, and kitchen surfaces, using a bleach-based household cleaner or a mix of bleach and hot water.

Norovirus may be transmitted via contaminated food, so those who are ill should avoid cooking and helping prepare meals for others until 48 hours after their symptoms have ended.

The bedding and clothes of individuals who have been exposed should be cleaned at 60 degrees Celsius, with disposable gloves used to handle contaminated items, according to PHE.

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Dr Nick Scriven, immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said:

“This has been compounded today by the warning that cases of norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, have now reached pre-pandemic levels in summer.

“Considering the impact this has when it makes its way into hospitals – bed closures, infecting seriously unwell people and staff absence – it is frankly very worrying.

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“At the moment, clinicians across the country are asking themselves exactly what the government is thinking given the fact healthcare is being ravaged.”

Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images