Ireland’s health authorities have issued an urgent alert to workers who feel unwell with two specific symptoms, as a highly contagious stomach virus continues to spread at “high levels” nationwide.
Norovirus, commonly referred to as the winter vomiting bug, is extremely infectious and usually leads to vomiting and diarrhoea. It spreads easily through close personal contact, contaminated surfaces and food, making outbreaks hard to control once they start, reports The Mirror.
In an update released yesterday, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said: “Norovirus, a very common cause of gastroenteritis, is currently circulating at high levels in the community. Norovirus (often called the winter vomiting bug), causes vomiting and diarrhoea and is highly infectious, easily spread by close contact between people”, reports The Mirror.
The warning comes as Ireland is also experiencing high flu levels, which the HSE says are “putting extra pressure on health and care services”.
It said: “This seasonal surge in norovirus is coinciding with high levels of flu cases, putting extra pressure on health and care services. Outbreaks of norovirus and flu in hospitals and nursing homes can cause serious disruption and increase risks for patients and staff. Your actions make a difference. We can all help by taking simple precautions: If you have respiratory symptoms, or vomiting or diarrhoea, do not visit hospitals, nursing homes, or vulnerable people at home. Avoid social visits to care settings while unwell”, reports The Mirror.
Health officials emphasised that although norovirus is unpleasant, most people recover quickly without needing medical treatment and that staying well hydrated is usually sufficient. However, to limit its spread, the HSE is advising people not to attend work if they have vomiting or diarrhoea.
People are being advised to remain off work or school for at least 48 hours after symptoms have ended, avoid hospitals, care homes and vulnerable people, and not to socialise while unwell or for two days afterwards, reports The Mirror.
Anyone suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea is also advised to avoid Emergency Departments where possible and instead seek guidance from a pharmacist or GP by phone. The HSE warned that bringing norovirus into healthcare or care settings can result in staff illness, service disruption or closures, and can pose serious risks to vulnerable patients.
However, those who are seriously unwell should still attend Emergency Departments, but are asked to inform reception staff if they have vomiting or diarrhoea so appropriate precautions can be taken, reports The Mirror.
The public is also being reminded to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, as alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus. Potentially contaminated surfaces should be disinfected with bleach-based cleaners, while clothing or bedding should be washed separately on a hot cycle. Towels and face cloths should not be shared, and any vomit or infected waste should be flushed away with the surrounding area cleaned carefully. People are also advised to avoid eating raw, unwashed produce.
The HSE added: “Norovirus causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It is one of the most common stomach bugs in Ireland. It’s also called the ‘winter vomiting bug’. This is because it’s more common in winter. But you can catch it at any time of the year, reports The Mirror.
“Norovirus can be unpleasant but it usually clears up by itself in a few days. You can normally look after yourself or your child at home. Try to avoid going to your GP, as norovirus can spread to others very easily, reports The Mirror.
“You’re likely to have norovirus if you:
- feel sick
- get sick (vomit)
- have diarrhoea
“Some people also have a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs. The symptoms start one to two days after you become infected and last for up to two or three days”, reports The Mirror.
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