Norovirus alert after hospitals see spike in cases

A SHARP rise in the spread of norovirus cases in Scottish hospitals has prompted a warning from health officials.

Health Protection Scotland (HPS) figures show there were 50 cases this week – compared to just four last week.

They are concentrated in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, where 27 patients are affected, and NHS Lothian, where 23 people have been struck down.

Three hospital wards across the two health boards have been closed to new admissions while cases of norovirus are treated.

The bug, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting, usually lasts for 72 hours and is easily spread among people who are already ill.

Lisa Ritchie, nurse consultant, infection control, at HPS, said: “Norovirus is a highlyinfectious virus that causes outbreaks in the community, healthcare and care settings.

“It is present all year round but becomes more common in the winter when people stay indoors for longer and in larger groups.

“To help reduce the risk of outbreaks in hospitals, care settings and the wider community, we are again asking people who think they have norovirus to stay at home until at least 48 hours after any symptoms have stopped.

“As norovirus is so infectious, it is important everyone plays their part in reducing the risk of outbreaks.

“To do this, hospitals may suspend access to particular wards to protect patients, staff and visitors from norovirus.”

Health experts advise that people with the bug should allow it to get out of their system.