Urgent warning as nasty bug ‘circulating at high levels' in community – the three signs to watch out for
AN urgent warning is in place for the Irish public as a nasty bug spreads at high speeds.
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The norovirus is spreading rapidly throughout Ireland
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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There are key signs to watch out for
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Ireland is currently facing an off-season surge in cases.
Numbers of cases of the
As the name suggests, it usually surges in winter months, though right now it is spreading rapidly through the community.
Health experts are warning that it could continue to spread at high levels for "the next number of weeks."
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The latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) revealed that 62 cases were reported over the last week.
This is a jump of 28 cases, up from 34 the previous week.
It is a rise of 82.4 per cent - suggesting the virus is spreading rapidly.
Some 44 of these cases were reported in those aged 65 and older.
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There were four cases in each of the 45-64 and 25-44 age ranges, one case in those aged between 19 and 24, and nine cases in children aged 0 to 4.
There were no cases reported in the 5 to 18 age group.
SYMPTOMS
The illness is very infectious, and causes sudden vomiting and diarrhoea.
Signs of the illness usually appear one to two days after exposure and last for two to three days.
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There are three key symptoms to keep an eye out for.
The
Other people see symptoms including a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs.
In an update this week, the HPSC said: "Norovirus, in most people, is an unpleasant but mild illness that passes off quickly without any treatment.
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"It can usually be managed at home - drinking plenty of fluids is usually all that is needed."
But anyone with symptoms should stay off work,
STOP THE SPREAD
There is no cure for the virus as antibiotics don't help - though it usually only lasts a few days.
Rest and fluids can help with recovery.
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It's important to stay home as it can spread easily through close contact, touching contaminated surfaces and airborne droplets.
The HPSC urged people to follow these steps to prevent further spread:
Stay off work or school for at least 48 hours after your symptoms have passed
If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, try to avoid visiting Emergency Departments - talk to your pharmacist or GP by phone instead. However, if you think you are really unwell, you should not delay in going to the Emergency Department.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. Alcohol hand gels do not kill noroviruses.
According to the HSE, norovirus can infect people more than once as it keeps mutating, so your body cannot build lasting immunity.
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