Norovirus cases remain high but are ‘stabilising’, says UKHSA

Norovirus cases remain high but are starting to stabilise, while respiratory viruses such as flu and RSV continue to fall, new data has revealed.

The latest statistics from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show the number of norovirus cases between 26 January and 8 February were 45.9% higher than the five-season average for the same two-week period. Between 19 January and 1 February, the number of cases were 50.6% higher than average.

This follows a sharp rise in norovirus cases in early January this year which pushed hospital bed occupancy in England to its highest level since the Covid-19 pandemic.

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However, cases of norovirus, commonly referred to as the ‘vomiting bug’, are now beginning to stabilise despite the higher levels, the UKHSA said.

It noted that the levels are particularly high in adults aged 65 and over, though it has decreased in this age group in recent weeks.

The UKHSA has advised that norovirus activity ‘varies from one season to the next’ but it is ‘likely multiple factors’ have contributed to the high level of cases in recent weeks including weather conditions, changes in testing, reporting to national surveillance, and more.

Despite the stabilisation of norovirus cases, people are being urged to take preventative measures to stop the virus spreading.

Amy Douglas, UKHSA lead epidemiologist, said: ‘We are seeing signs that the virus is stabilising at these high levels, but we need to start seeing a decline if we are to reduce the impact that this virus has on our communities and health system.

‘We are seeing the highest number of cases among individuals aged 65 years and over and outbreaks in hospital settings have increased too, so please remember the simple steps we can all take to stop norovirus spreading.’

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As well as cases of norovirus beginning to stabilise, those testing positive for the flu and RSV have decreased as well.

Flu positivity decreased with a weekly mean positivity rate of 3.9% compared with 5.5% in the previous week, while RSV positivity remained stable at 4.5% compared with 4.8% the previous week.

Flu hospitalisations decreased to 1.48 per 100,000 compared with 2.13 per 100,000, while RSV hospitalisations decreased to 1.18 per 100,000 compared to 1.68 in the previous week.

Meanwhile, those testing positive for Covid-19 have increased, with the UKHSA stating that Covid activity showed ‘mixed trends and is circulating at baseline levels’.

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Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: ‘We’re continuing to see cases of flu and RSV falling week after week, which is a really positive sign. While cases of Covid-19 are increasing, levels are still very low.

‘To ensure we continue on this downward trend, I encourage people to continue taking simple steps, such as regularly washing hands and ventilating rooms, to protect themselves and others, particularly those more vulnerable.’