It was just over a fortnight ago when Medical Specialists Pharmacy reported how the norovirus ‘winter vomiting bug’ had struck the UK with a fierce vengeance and resulted in many hospital ward closures. Now, weeks later, it seems things are getting much worse.
The latest set of Health Protection Agency (HPA) statistics will
certainly raise a few eyebrows and they show just how serious the
contagious the illness is. The HPA figures show that the winter vomiting
bug is wreaking havoc across Britain with cases now standing at a
five-year high and also up by 72% at the same time in 2011.
The HPA claim that more than 750,000
people could be affected by the outbreak as there have been 2,630
confirmed reports of the virus from laboratory tests and the HPA operate
on the basis that for every confirmed case, there are an additional 288
cases that have yet to be reported. This means that there may be around
757,440 people struck down with the stomach bug.
A HPA spokespersons said: “Laboratory confirmed reports represent
only a small proportion of the actual amount of norovirus activity in
the community, because the vast majority of affected people do not
access health care services as a result of their illness.”
The weekly figures from the HPA indicate more cases reported, however
the total number of new reports has dropped 28% from the previous
week’s total of 327 confirmed cases. However, HPA norovirus expert John
Harris warns that the worst may be yet to come after Christmas. He says:
“Our figures show a small drop in the number of confirmed cases over
the last couple of weeks. We cannot read too much into this at present
as this is typical of the norovirus season where we see a series of
sharp rises and falls in activity between October and April with the
bulk of cases usually occurring between January and March. People should
be vigilant in their hygiene and we would like to remind anyone who has
typical symptoms suggestive of norovirus infection to avoid visiting
friends or relatives in hospital or care homes. Norovirus infection in
hospitals is very disruptive as it can lead to ward closures.”
Mr Harris also advised what course of action to take in the event of
developing the virus. He continued: “Having a norovirus infection is
very unpleasant but it is short-lived and most people will fully recover
in a couple of days. Make sure that you or anyone you are caring for
takes plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Over-the-counter medicines
can also be useful in reducing headaches and other aches and pains.”
The HPA’s figures have coincided with news this week that 300 of the
1,834 passengers aboard the luxury cruise linger ‘Oriana’ have been
quarantined due to an outbreak of norovirus, forced to stay in their own
cabins to prevent a further spread of the virus which causes severe
vomiting and diarrhoea.
There have been reports that some passengers collapsed on the deck
and corridors and toilets ‘smelt strongly of sick’ according to some
people aboard the ship. The winter vomiting bug hit passengers after the
vessel departed from Southampton on 4 December for the 10-day Baltic
cruise.
Oriana is scheduled to arrive back in port at Southampton on Friday
morning, slightly earlier than first planned and new passengers will not
be allowed on board until health experts have undergone strict cleaning
procedures within the public areas and cabins, predicted to take around
6-7 hours.
A spokeswoman for P&O cruises said that ‘enhanced sanitation
protocols’ had been put into place to try and contain the virus, which
includes requesting that affected passengers isolate themselves in their
rooms and do not leave the ship for any day trips.
The spokeswoman said: “The safety and comfort of passengers and crew
is always our number one priority. As is currently standard procedure
across our fleet, all the ship’s passengers were provided with a
precautionary health notice advising of widespread norovirus activity
and the health measures to avoid contraction and spread, both on board
and whilst ashore.”
Cruise ships are a notoriously dangerous environment for a rapid
spread of norovirus. Earlier this year, a similar outbreak erupted on
another ship; Boudicca, with 170 passengers of the 828 on board being effected.
Approximately 600,000 to 1 million people in the UK fall ill with
norovirus every year, but there are certain steps you can take to
prevent contracting the virus and prevent it spreading. For example,
avoid sharing towels and flannels, wash your hands thoroughly with soap
and water after using the toilet as well as prior to preparing meals,
use a bleach-based household cleaner to disinfect any surfaces or areas
that may be contaminated and wash all clothing and bedding at risk
separately from other items.
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