Winter vomiting bug outbreaks still at record level

Outbreaks of the winter vomiting bug are still reaching record levels in the capital.

The Health Protection Agency received 173 reports of outbreaks of norovirus between the end of September and December 23. This compares with 100 for the same period in 2011.

The latest outbreaks have been mostly in care homes, schools and hospitals in London.

Across England and Wales, more than 3,500 cases of norovirus have been confirmed in laboratories. But this does not take account of people who have not reported symptoms to a doctor. Health experts warn that the true number of cases this season could be more than a million across the country.

It is unclear why there has been such a surge. But an upwards trend has been seen across Europe and other parts of the world. The bug has hit cruise ships, with 205 people struck down on the Queen Mary 2 and 220 on the Emerald Princess.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the US, reported that almost one in 12 passengers on the Queen Mary 2 had fallen ill, and one in 20 on the Emerald Princess. Predominant symptoms among travellers have been vomiting and diarrhoea. Lab tests are expected to confirm norovirus.

Both liners have been sailing on Caribbean cruises, with some passengers paying more than £5,000 each.

In Britain, hospitals have been urging anyone struck down by the bug to stay away over Christmas. However, some eased these restrictions for the first time yesterday.

Lewisham Hospital NHS trust is allowing patients two designated visitors. Visitors must be free of diarrhoea or vomiting symptoms, and must not have had contact with anyone with such symptoms for 48 hours.

Norovirus is highly contagious and can be transmitted via an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Other symptoms include a temperature, headache and stomach cramps.