UKHSA warns of norovirus spike in the East Midlands as cases are more than double the seasonal average

As schoolchildren prepare to return to the classroom after the half-term break, UKHSA is calling on East Midlands residents to be aware of high levels of norovirus circulating this Winter.

Latest figures show norovirus activity has continued to increase in recent weeks in England, with a 20.5% increase in the two-week period between 27th January to 9th February 2025.

The total number of norovirus laboratory reports during weeks 5 and 6 of 2025 was more than double (145.2%) the 5-season average for the same 2-week period.

Dr Jharna Kumbang, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at UKHSA East Midlands, said: “Norovirus cases are still exceptionally high and continue to rise. Half term usually provides a bit of a firebreak, so hopefully we will see a fall in numbers in the next few weeks. However, it’s really important that if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Please avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings. 

“Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. This is because you can still pass on the virus in the days after you stop being sick. 

“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”

Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs. Norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time. 

For further information please visit the NHS website - Norovirus (vomiting bug)