The UK is seeing a higher-than-normal level of norovirus cases this spring, prompting a warning from the UK Health Security Agency
Householders across the UK are being advised to boil wash their clothing and bedding due to a surge in norovirus cases this spring.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned the so-called winter vomiting bug is still spreading in the UK, resulting in ‘higher than usual levels’ of cases.
The bug is linked to around 12,000 hospital admissions in the UK every year and while it is typically most prevalent in winter, it is possible to catch it year-round, the Express reports.
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In a post on X, the UKHSA said: “Vomiting or diarrhoea in spring? It could still be norovirus.
“Despite being known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, norovirus can spread year-round, and we’re seeing higher than usual levels this spring. Find out what to do to stop the spread.”
The stomach bug causes gastroenteritis, resulting in sudden, watery diarrhoea and projectile vomiting, as well as a mild fever, painful stomach cramps, headaches, and aching limbs.
It is spread very easily through contaminated food, water and touching surfaces, as well as through direct contact with an infected person, and by eating food prepared by someone with the virus.
People can be infected with norovirus more than once as the bug is constantly changing, which prevents the body from building up any long-term resistance.
One key piece of advice from the UKHSA is for people who believe they’ve been exposed to norovirus to wash all clothing and bedding on a boil or hot wash, at a temperature of at least 60C, as this will kill any virus particles and prevent the bug from being passed on.
Households are also urged not to share towels or flannels, and to disinfect surfaces or objects with a bleach-based household cleaner.
Regular hand washing with soap and water is also recommended as alcohol-based hand gels do not kill norovirus germs.
