A new report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has shown that Norovirus cases are surging in parts of Ireland after 21 new cases were detected in the week up to April 16.
Norovirus is a very contagious stomach virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea and anyone can become infected and sick if they come in contact with an infected person.
Cases had declined majorly during the pandemic, as restrictions kept people at home and social distancing in public with masks worn in crowded areas.
READ MORE: How to identify coronavirus from norovirus as warnings issued amid case rise
Now that restrictions are gone, more and more cases of this stomach bug are coming to light with over 213 infections reported in 2022 so far.
The report shows the regions most affected by the virus at the moment as the east and midwest, and so parents are being urged to keep an eye out for common symptoms.
People are asked to remain at home if they develop any symptoms, and should not to return to work or education until 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.
The six main signs to look out for are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick
- Aching arms and legs
- A high temperature
- A headache
According to the HSE, Norovirus spreads incredibly easily in public places such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
You can catch it through:
- close contact with someone with norovirus. They may breathe out small particles containing the virus that you could inhale
- touching contaminated surfaces or objects. The virus can survive outside the body for several days
- eating contaminated food. This can happen if an infected person does not wash their hands before handling food
You are most infectious from when your symptoms start until 48 hours after they have passed. "You may also be infectious for a short time before and after this," the HSE says.
You can get norovirus more than once because it is always changing and so your body is unable to build up long-term resistance to it.
The following HSE advice can help stop the virus from spreading:
- Stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed. You should also avoid visiting anyone in the hospital during this time
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. Do not rely on alcohol hand gels, as they do not kill the virus
- Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated. It's best to use a bleach-based household cleaner
- Wash any items of clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated separately on a hot wash to ensure the virus is killed
- Don't share towels and flannels
- Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce
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