Cases of norovirus in England are 'increasing significantly', according to health officials. Reports of the stomach bug, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, are currently 66 per cent higher than average for the time of year, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned today.
Cases of norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, are particularly high among people aged over 65. Although high levels of infection are expected in this age group over winter, the UKHSA said the high levels recorded this year have not been seen "in over a decade".
The number of norovirus outbreaks has increased in hospitals, schools and care homes, health officials confirmed, with the majority of outbreaks reported in care home settings.
