Transmission electron micrograph of norovirus particles in faeces
The winter vomiting bug has infected more than a million people in England and Wales this year according to the latest figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
There were 3,538 lab-confirmed cases of the virus up to 16 December 2012, but it is estimated that for each confirmed case there are another 288 that go unreported. So many cases go unreported, as although the symptoms are severe vomiting and diarrhoea, the illness only lasts a few days. The bug is spread through contact with contaminated people, objects, or surfaces, or by the consumption of contaminated food or water.
In the figures up to December 16th there had been 83% more cases reported than by the same time last year. The outbreak appears to be growing as well, with 70 hospital outbreaks reported in the two weeks up to December 23rd compared to 61 in the previous two weeks.
The Norovirus outbreak appears to have started earlier this year, but it is still unclear whether this means that it will peak earlier than previous years or that the outbreak will be greater overall.
Health Protection Scotland have also reported a rise in Norovirus cases this year.
The best way to prevent the spread of the bug is to wash your hands and stay away from hospitals, schools and care homes if unwell in order to stop the virus infecting others.
