Health body warns of norovirus rise

CASES of the norovirus ‘winter vomiting bug’ are on the rise in Scotland, health protection experts warned last night.

Three wards across two health board areas were closed this week because of outbreaks of the infection affecting 50 patients.

There were also seven outbreaks reported in care homes. Norovirus is highly infectious and causes vomiting and diarrhoea, making it a particular problem in hospitals where it can spread between patients.

Yesterday, Health Protection Scotland (HPS) announced there has been an increase in levels of norovirus across Scotland, with a total of 1,157 confirmed cases so far this year.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has closed two wards after 27 patients fell ill with the bug, and NHS Lothian closed one ward, with 23 affected patients this week.

Lisa Ritchie, nurse consultant, infection control at HPS said: ‘Norovirus is a highly infectious 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.’

She urged people struck down with norovirus to stay at home until at least 48 hours after getting better to avoid spreading the bug.

Miss Ritchie added: ‘As norovirus is so infectious, it is important that 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 and to minimise disruption to healthcare services.’

HPS said it will ‘continue to monitor the situation and support NHS Boards as required’.