Recent figures from the NHS show that norovirus cases in hospitals across England have risen to the highest levels seen this winter.
NHS officials are now warning of a potential “second surge” as the health service continues to manage intense seasonal demand.
According to the latest surveillance report from the UK Health Security Agency, collected up to 15 February, norovirus case counts were 37.6% higher than the five-season average for the same two-week period.
There was an average of 1,012 hospital beds filled each day, a rise of 9% from the previous week and the highest weekly figure so far this winter.
Norovirus is a highly contagious gastrointestinal virus that causes sudden onset vomiting and diarrhoea, spreading easily through person-to-person contact, contaminated surfaces, and food, and is a leading cause of outbreaks in healthcare settings.
This surveillance also highlights that norovirus remains most frequently reported among older adults.
How can building design reduce the spread of infection?
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