Health officials in Wales are alarmed by a sharp rise in norovirus cases, urging vigilance as schools prepare to reopen.
Wales: There’s a bit of a worry brewing over norovirus cases lately. Health officials are sounding the alarm after seeing a 26% jump in cases just last week.
Public Health Wales reported that the number of cases shot up from 39 to 49 in just seven days leading up to December 22. That’s quite a leap!
When you look at the bigger picture, cases from September 30 to December 22 are up 42% compared to the same time last year. With schools and nurseries about to reopen, parents need to keep an eye out for any signs of illness.
If kids are feeling under the weather with symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, they should stay home and rest for at least 48 hours after feeling better. It’s just not worth the risk of spreading it around.
Wendi Shepherd, who’s the deputy director at Public Health Wales, mentioned that this time of year usually sees a rise in norovirus cases. It’s a common winter bug, but this year’s uptick is a bit concerning.
She emphasized the need for good hygiene practices to keep the virus at bay. Washing hands with soap and warm water is key, as hand sanitizers don’t do much against norovirus.
Wendi also suggested avoiding sharing towels and cooking for others if you’re feeling sick. The symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, and even mild fever or stomach cramps.
So, keeping those hands clean is super important, not just for norovirus but also for other seasonal bugs like the flu. If you’re feeling ill, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before handling food.
