Parents and carers are being urged to be watchful for the symptoms of norovirus as schools and nurseries re-open. Public Health Wales has confirmed that cases of the illness have increased in Wales by 42%.
The national public health institute for Wales has said that children exhibiting symptoms of norovirus - which include diarrhoea and/or vomiting - should be kept at home during their illness and for 48 hours following the cessation of symptoms. According to the NHS website, norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting bug", is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. For the latest health news, sign up to our newsletter here.
It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about two days. You can read more about the NHS's guidance on the illness here. According to Public Health Wales, the latest figures show a worrying 26% increase in norovirus cases in the week before December 22, jumping from 39 to 49 compared to the previous week. From September 30 to December 22, there has been a 42% surge in cases compared to the same timeframe last year.
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To combat the spread, individuals with norovirus symptoms are advised to practice rigorous hand hygiene, avoid sharing towels, and possibly use a separate bathroom if available. Wendi Shepherd, the deputy director in health protection for Public Health Wales, said: "We expect to see an increase in norovirus cases at this time of year, as it is a common stomach bug that circulates during the winter months. However, we are concerned about an uptick in cases this winter compared with last year."
She emphasised the crucial preventive measure and said: "The most important thing we can do to prevent spread is to make sure that children are kept out of school or nursery for 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.
"Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet or preparing food, and remember that hand sanitizer is ineffective against norovirus. Avoid sharing towels, and don't prepare food for others if you have norovirus symptoms."
Notably, the primary indicators of norovirus are vomiting and diarrhoea, but they may also be accompanied by a mild fever, headaches, stomach cramps, and aching limbs. Good hand washing hygiene also helps to prevent the spread of other seasonal viruses such as flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).