Dreaded sickness virus back in valleys
IT’S debilitating, unpleasant and can render you unable to leave the toilet for days – the dreaded winter diarrhoea and vomiting bug norovirus has hit parts of South Wales.
Cwm Taf University Health Board, which covers Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil, has confirmed the group of viruses is currently circulating in the region.
People with symptoms in the past 48 hours are now being urged to avoid hospitals and care homes in a bid to stop it spreading.
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that are the most common cause of gastroenteritis (stomach bugs) in Wales and England.
It was historically known as “winter vomiting disease” due to its seasonality and typical symptoms.
Public Health England estimates that norovirus typically affects between 600,000 and a million people in the UK each year.
Around 24 to 48 hours after becoming infected, the virus causes sudden onset of nausea followed by vomiting and diarrhoea.
Some people may also have a fever, headaches and aching limbs.
Infection can occur at any age. Outbreaks are reported frequently in institutions such as hospitals, schools, residential and nursing homes, and hotels.
Anywhere that large numbers of people congregate for periods of several days provides an ideal environment for the spread of the disease.
Symptoms typically last for between 12 and 60 hours, but most people make a full recovery within a day or two.
However, some people – usually the very young or elderly – may occasionally become very dehydrated and require hospital treatment.
There is no specific treatment for norovirus apart from letting the illness run its course.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Public Health Wales say it is very difficult to prevent norovirus infections occurring in the community. However, taking good hygiene measures around someone who is infected, like frequent hand washing, will reduce the spread of infection.
Here are five basic ways to manage diarrhoea and vomiting, and prevent the spread of diseases such as norovirus:
■ Careful handwashing is the most important prevention measure that you can take. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and dry afterwards. Do not share towels.
■ Use gloves when handling soiled articles from ill people. Wash soiled clothing and bed linen on a “hot cycle”.
■ If looking after someone with gastroenteritis, carefully disinfect toilet seats, flush handles, washhand basin taps and toilet door handles daily and after use. Use a bleach-based household cleaner, diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
■ Maintain good personal hygiene and hygienic preparation and serving of food.
■ If you have gastroenteritis, don’t return to school or work or prepare food until you have been symptom-free for 48 hours. Don’t visit patients in local hospitals and long-term care facilities. While many people tend to feel better sooner, illness can still be spread if they return to work or school within 48 hours since the last symptom.