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Norovirus cases in England continue to surge, with laboratory reports reaching their highest levels since records began in 2014, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Officials now warn of a potential second wave of infections driven by multiple circulating strains of the virus.
An average of 1,134 patients were hospitalized daily with norovirus last week. Although this figure is slightly lower than the previous week’s 1,160, it remains nearly 2.5 times higher than the same period last year, when the average was just 470. Between February 3 and 16, laboratory-confirmed cases rose by 29.4% compared to the previous fortnight and more than doubled the five-season average for the same timeframe.
Rising Infections and Multiple Strains
Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, highlighted the unusual severity of this norovirus season. “Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high, and now, with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season,” she said. She emphasized that healthcare settings, such as hospitals and care homes, are experiencing the greatest impacts.
Professor Arlene Wellman, group chief nursing officer for the St George’s, Epsom and St Helier hospitals group, echoed these concerns. “Once norovirus enters a hospital, it can spread rapidly. It can rip through our wards like wildfire, making patients even sicker,” she told the Science Media Centre (SMC).
The rise in cases this season has been linked to the emergence of the GII.17 genotype. However, the latest data indicate that another common strain, GII.4, is also increasing. Historically, GII.4 has dominated during winter norovirus outbreaks.
Dr. Damien Tully, associate professor in bioinformatics at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, noted that GII.17 had accounted for only 1% of cases in the past seven years. However, while it remains the most common strain at 59% of cases, its prevalence has declined from 76% in November. Meanwhile, GII.4 cases have surged from 10% three months ago to 29% now, raising concerns of reinfection among those who previously had norovirus this season.
Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, explained that a double peak in norovirus cases is not unusual. “It’s the norm to see two different strains within a season, though one tends to predominate,” he said. Tully added that while the second wave is concerning, it is not unexpected, given GII.4’s long-standing dominance in past outbreaks. “Time will tell if the new GII.17 variant—evolving at a much faster rate than its predecessors—can end GII.4’s 12-year reign as the dominant strain,” he remarked.
Strain on Healthcare System
The surge in norovirus cases is exacerbating pressures on England’s healthcare system. According to UKHSA, hospital bed occupancy reached 95.3% last week, with an average of 96,807 patients admitted daily.
Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of NHS Providers, described the situation as dire. “NHS wards are full to the brim with barely any spare beds. A tough situation is being made even tougher, with far too many patients stuck in hospital—almost 1 in 7—who are well enough to go home but can’t, often due to pressures on social and community care services,” she said.
Experts suggest that increased testing may be partially responsible for the sharp rise in reported cases. “Testing for norovirus has become more common in recent years due to new technology, and so some of this increase may be an artifact of increased testing,” Hunter noted. He also pointed out that lower population immunity following COVID-19 restrictions may be contributing to the spread.
“Given the current variant’s low prevalence over past years, most people are susceptible to infection, which explains the huge surge in cases,” Tully added.
Public Health Recommendations
Health officials are urging the public to take preventive measures, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and properly sanitizing contaminated surfaces. Those experiencing symptoms are advised to stay home for at least 48 hours after recovery to prevent further spread.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for guidance on norovirus prevention and treatment.
