Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board are reminding people to be alert to the symptoms of Norovirus, amid concerns over a rise in cases this year.

Norovirus is the main cause of winter diarrhoea and vomiting, and tends to circulate more prominently in communities throughout the winter, with October usually seeing the start of an increase in the number of people reporting diarrhoea and vomiting.

Last November, a major outbreak of the winter vomiting bug hit Wrexham Maelor Hospital and two community hospitals, with more than 130 patients being affected and nine hospital wards had to be closed as a result of the virus. This resulted in 192 ‘lost bed days’ – occasions where beds were unavailable to new patients.

2.9m Cases of Norovirus Every Year

Researchers at Bangor University have estimated there are 2.9m cases of Norovirus in the UK every year which costs the UK economy £15m a year.

Humans do not develop immunity to Norovirus, meaning people can catch it repeatedly. It spreads easily, and can be transferred to different surfaces by touch.

Betsi Health Board have advised that anybody experiencing symptoms of Norovirus, which includes sickness and diarrhoea, should stay at home and rest, and to stay hydrated. Following this advice will help stop the spread of the highly contagious virus within communities, helping protect vulnerable people who are at greater risk.

The Health Board also requests that people who have experienced symptoms of Norovirus in the previous two days stay away from hospital, to help prevent it from spreading to hospital patients.

Tracey Cooper, Assistant Director of Nursing – Infection Prevention, said: “Every year Norovirus circulates in communities throughout North Wales, in particular during the winter months.

“Norovirus is unpleasant, but usually clears up after a few days, and it’s important members of the public follow our advice on how to recover and prevent others from picking up the bug.

“If you experience sudden diarrhoea and vomiting, our advice is to stay at home until you’re feeling better. Try to avoid coming to hospital, as norovirus can spread to others very easily. Call your GP or NHS Direct 0845 46 47 if you’re concerned or need any advice.

“People who are generally healthy will get over a case of Norovirus within a few days, but it can be much more serious for people who are already ill, as well as the very young and elderly.

“We want members of the public to help us prevent the risk of infection. If you have recently felt unwell with symptoms of Norovirus or flu, please don’t come in to hospital to visit friends or family, or for an appointment.

“It is vital that that everyone follows the key rules to protect themselves, their families and, especially, our patients.”

The rules

· Everyone entering and leaving a ward must use the hand rub or wash their hands.

· Visitors must not come into any of our hospitals if they have suffered from diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the previous 48 hours.

· Patients who are due to come in but have had either diarrhoea or vomiting in the previous 48 hours are asked to contact us first for advice, and so we can make appropriate arrangements.

· All visitors to our hospitals must follow the advice on the signs and notices at ward entrances and any guidance from nursing or other staff. Please only visit wards affected by Norovirus if it is essential.

· Children should not come visiting to affected wards

Advice to the general public

The best way for members of the public to protect themselves is to ensure they wash their hands after visiting the toilet, and before eating, and avoid contact with people suffering from diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

Although norovirus is unpleasant, for most people who are generally healthy it is a short lived illness of two or three days and does not require specialist treatment or a hospital admission.

People with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting should ensure that they do not become dehydrated by continuing to drink plenty of fluids. They can get advice from their GP practice (people with active symptoms should telephone rather than attending in person to avoid infecting other people) or from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. Advice is available online from Public Health Wales at http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/43919 or by downloading their leaflet at http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/888/Norovirus%20Information%20leaflet.pdf