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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Will norovirus surge early again this year? Here's what scientists say
Will the upcoming norovirus season be just as early and active as the past year? While the answer may be anyone's guess right now, federal health officials recently warned that the dominant strain of the contagious virus — the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S. — has changed between the 2022-2023 and 2024-2025 seasons. 'GII.17 has caused 75 percent of all norovirus outbreaks during the 2024–25 season so far, thereby replacing GII.4 as the predominant norovirus outbreak strain in the United States,' Centers for Disease Control researchers wrote in an article published this month by the agency's Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. This past season also started at the earlier date of October, as opposed to December. GII.17 also drove a record wave of outbreaks. But, what all of this might mean going forward needs further research. 'Additional sequence analysis of complete GII.17 genomes and identification of cross-protective neutralizing antibodies of GII.17 compared with GII.4 viruses could help clarify whether GII.17 viruses will persist. Continued surveillance is needed to determine if this genotype remains the dominant genotype, as well as whether the norovirus season continues to start earlier than previous years,' they wrote. A spokesperson for the agency told CBS News that there are 'currently insufficient historic data to predict whether norovirus GII.17 will remain the dominant genotype and lead to an earlier onset of the norovirus season later this year.' They pointed to a surge of GII.17 strains in Asia and Europe in 2014 that was followed by no reports of a change to seasonality, and noted that there has been no clear evidence to prove that GII.17's emergence was the cause of a change to the norovirus season last year. Still, this past season reached the worst levels in a decade. There were 91 suspected or confirmed outbreaks during the first week of December, which Yale Medicine said exceeded the number of outbreaks during the same week in any year since 2012. The majority were the GII.7 strain. In years when there is a new strain of the virus, there can be 50 percent more norovirus illness. Cases continued to tick up months into this year. By May 7, there were 2,571 outbreaks. During the same time last year, there were only 1,358. 'The total number of outbreaks reported during the 2024 to 2025 seasonal year is above the range reported during the same period during the 2012 to 2020 and 2021 to 2024 seasonal years,' the CDC said. Cases have fallen markedly since January, and are now at low levels. While the outbreaks occur throughout the year, they are the most common from November to April as people head indoors and it's easier to spread norovirus through infected particles. Anyone who consumes raw shellfish is also at risk of contracting it. Infection can be deadly largely among adults aged 65 and up, but anyone can get sick. Children younger than 5 years old and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections. There are 900 deaths on average each year and between 19 and 21 million illnesses. There's no specific treatment for norovirus, but most people recover with a period of up to three days. 'The norovirus can spread so quickly, but also, as we already talked about, norovirus can be very — it's usually very fast. So yeah, if people are taking care of themselves, we leave them alone,' explained Dr. Joanna Bisgrove, a family physician at Rush University Medical Center. 'But if it keeps going, we're like, maybe this isn't norovirus, and we need to do other things.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Will norovirus surge early again this year? Here's what scientists say
Will the upcoming norovirus season be just as early and active as the past year? While the answer may be anyone's guess right now, federal health officials recently warned that the dominant strain of the contagious virus — the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S. — has changed between the 2022-2023 and 2024-2025 seasons. 'GII.17 has caused 75 percent of all norovirus outbreaks during the 2024–25 season so far, thereby replacing GII.4 as the predominant norovirus outbreak strain in the United States,' Centers for Disease Control researchers wrote in an article published this month by the agency's Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. This past season also started at the earlier date of October, as opposed to December. GII.17 also drove a record wave of outbreaks. But, what all of this might mean going forward needs further research. 'Additional sequence analysis of complete GII.17 genomes and identification of cross-protective neutralizing antibodies of GII.17 compared with GII.4 viruses could help clarify whether GII.17 viruses will persist. Continued surveillance is needed to determine if this genotype remains the dominant genotype, as well as whether the norovirus season continues to start earlier than previous years,' they wrote. A spokesperson for the agency told CBS News that there are 'currently insufficient historic data to predict whether norovirus GII.17 will remain the dominant genotype and lead to an earlier onset of the norovirus season later this year.' They pointed to a surge of GII.17 strains in Asia and Europe in 2014 that was followed by no reports of a change to seasonality, and noted that there has been no clear evidence to prove that GII.17's emergence was the cause of a change to the norovirus season last year. Still, this past season reached the worst levels in a decade. There were 91 suspected or confirmed outbreaks during the first week of December, which Yale Medicine said exceeded the number of outbreaks during the same week in any year since 2012. The majority were the GII.7 strain. In years when there is a new strain of the virus, there can be 50 percent more norovirus illness. Cases continued to tick up months into this year. By May 7, there were 2,571 outbreaks. During the same time last year, there were only 1,358. 'The total number of outbreaks reported during the 2024 to 2025 seasonal year is above the range reported during the same period during the 2012 to 2020 and 2021 to 2024 seasonal years,' the CDC said. Cases have fallen markedly since January, and are now at low levels. While the outbreaks occur throughout the year, they are the most common from November to April as people head indoors and it's easier to spread norovirus through infected particles. Anyone who consumes raw shellfish is also at risk of contracting it. Infection can be deadly largely among adults aged 65 and up, but anyone can get sick. Children younger than 5 years old and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections. There are 900 deaths on average each year and between 19 and 21 million illnesses. There's no specific treatment for norovirus, but most people recover with a period of up to three days. 'The norovirus can spread so quickly, but also, as we already talked about, norovirus can be very — it's usually very fast. So yeah, if people are taking care of themselves, we leave them alone,' explained Dr. Joanna Bisgrove, a family physician at Rush University Medical Center. 'But if it keeps going, we're like, maybe this isn't norovirus, and we need to do other things.'
The Independent
27-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Why people are getting norovirus twice
Known for its rapid spread and stomach-churning symptoms, norovirus has long been a common culprit behind wintertime stomach bugs. However, health officials are now warning the public about the potential for a 'second norovirus wave', as reports suggest that more individuals are contracting the vomiting bug more than once. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has noted that those who've already battled the virus this winter may be at risk of reinfection due to multiple strains. To shed light on this growing concern, we spoke to a GP who has explained why people could get norovirus more than once… What is norovirus? ' Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, often referred to as the 'winter vomiting bug',' says Dr Chun Tang, GP at Pall Mall Medical. 'It spreads like wildfire, usually through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or direct contact with an infected person.' According to the NHS website, the primary symptoms include sudden nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Patients may also experience a high temperature, headaches and stomach pains. 'It usually comes on very quickly, making you feel awful for a couple of days, but most people recover without any complications,' says Tang. 'The biggest risk is dehydration, so staying hydrated is key.' Why are people getting it twice? 'Unlike some viruses, norovirus doesn't give you long-term immunity,' explains Tang. 'There are many different strains, so even if you've had it before, you can still catch a different version of it. 'Plus, any immunity you do develop is short-lived, which means you can get sick again.' The two primary norovirus strains circulating in the UK at the moment are the GII.17 genotype, which is believed to be responsible for the surge in cases this winter, and the GII.4 strain. New UKHSA data shows that while the GII.17 genotype remains dominant, accounting for 59% of cases, its prevalence has dropped from 76% since November. Meanwhile, the GII.4 strain has seen a sharp rise, now representing 29% of cases compared to just 10% three months ago. What is the difference between the GII.17 and the GII.4 strain? 'The GII.4 strain has historically been the dominant one, causing most outbreaks,' notes Tang. 'However, the GII.17 genotype has been increasing in some parts of the world, and researchers think it may behave slightly differently in terms of how our immune systems respond to it. 'The recent sharp rise in GII.4 cases suggests it may have mutated again, making it more infectious or better at evading immunity.' Who is more at risk? Children younger than five years old, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. 'This is because [these groups] struggle to stay hydrated, which is the biggest danger with norovirus,' explains Tang. 'For babies and the elderly, dehydration can lead to hospitalisation if it's not managed properly.' How contagious is it? 'Norovirus spreads through tiny particles in vomit and stool, which can linger on surfaces or even in the air after someone vomits,' highlights Tang. 'You only need a few viral particles to become infected, which is why outbreaks happen so quickly in shared spaces.' Can it be treated? 'There's no specific treatment for norovirus – it's all about resting, staying hydrated, and letting your body fight it off,' says Tang. A common misconception is that alcohol hand gels kill norovirus. 'They don't,' clarifies Tang. 'Norovirus is resistant to alcohol, so washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is the best way to prevent its spread.' Should people go to the doctors about norovirus? Most people don't need to see a doctor and can recover at home with rest and fluids. 'However, if you're struggling to keep fluids down, showing signs of severe dehydration (like dizziness, confusion, or very little urination), or have a baby or elderly person who seems particularly unwell, it's best to seek medical advice,' advises Tang. What can you do to prevent yourself from catching it? 'The best prevention is good hygiene – wash your hands properly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom or before preparing food,' recommends Tang. 'Also, avoid close contact with sick people and disinfect surfaces regularly. 'If you do get norovirus, stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop to prevent spreading it to others.'
The Independent
27-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Experts warn of ‘second norovirus wave' with people catching bug more than once
Health leaders have warned of a 'potential second norovirus wave' – with people catching the vomiting bug more than once. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said people who have already had the virus this winter could be at risk again due to a shift in which strains are becoming dominant. The organisation – which tracks lab reports of the sickness bug – said having had one type of norovirus does not fully protect against other strains. Its data shows the recently emerged GII.17 genotype of norovirus has seen a surge in cases this winter but a different, commonly seen, genotype – GII.4 – is now on the rise. While the GII.17 genotype remains dominant, accounting for 59% of cases, its prevalence has dropped from 76% since November. Meanwhile, the GII.4 strain has seen a sharp rise, now representing 29% of cases compared to just 10% three months ago. The UKHSA reassured people that there is no indication that either GII.17 or GII.4 leads to more severe illness but said it is unclear whether norovirus cases have peaked for this winter. Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: 'Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high and now with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season. 'We are seeing the biggest impacts in health and social care settings, such as hospitals and care homes. ' Symptoms of norovirus can be more severe in older adults, young children and those who are immunocompromised. 'If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, please do not visit hospitals and care homes or return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don't prepare food for others, as you can still pass on the virus during this time. 'Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus. Wash your hands with soapy warm water and clean surfaces with bleach-based products where possible to help stop infections from spreading.' It comes as new data from NHS England shows hospital norovirus cases remain close to the record high seen last week, with an average of 1,134 patients per day in hospital compared to 1,160. The figure is more than double (up 141%) the same period last year (470). NHS England said visits to the webpage on norovirus have risen by 40% in the last week – from 53,052 to 74,324. Meanwhile, the UKHSA lab data – representing a fraction of cases in the community – show confirmed cases in the two weeks from February 3 to 16 were 29.4% higher than the previous fortnight and more than double the five-season average for the same period. For every case reported in this national data, around 288 cases occur in the community, suggesting around three million cases annually in the UK. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, said 'we can be under no illusions about the continued pressure staff are still facing'. He added: 'To help stop the spread of norovirus, the medical advice is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water and avoid mixing with other people until you have not had symptoms for two days. 'While pressures on hospitals remain incredibly high, people should continue to use NHS services in the normal way – using 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions, and only using 999 or attending A&E in life-threatening emergencies.' Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'These statistics show that we are still not out of the winter woods, and I want to thank all NHS staff for their hard work in the face of substantial pressures on the health service. 'We have taken important steps to reduce winter pressures this year, including getting doctors back on the frontline, rather than the picket line, and introducing the country's first RSV vaccination scheme. 'Through the government's Plan for Change, we will deliver the investment and reform required to turn our health service around, so it will be there for all of us when we need it, once again.' The NHS England data released on Thursday also shows that time lost to ambulance handover delays rose by more than a fifth (22%) in the last week (to 22,796 hours compared with 18,688 the week before). Ambulance handover delays occur when ambulances arrive at A&E but are unable to hand patients over to staff due to units being busy. This means paramedics are unable to get back on the road to attend to other patients. Overall, the NHS data on Thursday showed that 95.3% of all NHS adult beds are full with patients, with 96,807 patients in hospital each day. Delays in discharging patients who are medically fit to leave hospital also remain high, with one in seven beds taken up by people who could be cared for elsewhere. The interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said: 'NHS wards are full to the brim with barely any spare beds… 'Pressure on emergency services continues to be a huge worry for trust leaders, with a worrying increase in staff time lost to ambulance handover delays last week. 'We need to do everything we can to get ambulance services back on the road so they can get to the sickest patients, fast.'
The Independent
27-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
New strain warning as second norovirus wave to hit UK
Health officials are warning of a possible second wave of norovirus this winter, adding that people who have already been ill may be vulnerable to catching the 'vomiting bug' again. This warning comes as the dominant strain of the virus appears to be shifting. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which monitors laboratory reports of norovirus, explained that immunity to one strain of the virus doesn't guarantee protection against others. Data reveals a recent surge in cases of the GII.17 norovirus genotype, although a more common genotype, GII.4, is now increasing in prevalence. While GII.17 still accounts for 59% of cases, its dominance has decreased from 76% since November, suggesting a potential shift in the circulating strains and raising concerns about a resurgence of infections. This means individuals who contracted the GII.17 strain earlier in the winter could be susceptible to the rising GII.4 strain. The UKHSA continues to monitor the situation and advises the public to practice good hygiene, including thorough handwashing, to minimize the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, the GII.4 strain has seen a sharp rise, now representing 29% of cases compared to just 10% three months ago. The UKHSA reassured people that there is no indication that either GII.17 or GII.4 leads to more severe illness but said it is unclear whether norovirus cases have peaked for this winter. Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: 'Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high and now with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season. 'We are seeing the biggest impacts in health and social care settings, such as hospitals and care homes. 'Symptoms of norovirus can be more severe in older adults, young children and those who are immunocompromised. 'If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, please do not visit hospitals and care homes or return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don't prepare food for others, as you can still pass on the virus during this time. 'Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus. Wash your hands with soapy warm water and clean surfaces with bleach-based products where possible to help stop infections from spreading.' It comes as new data from NHS England shows hospital norovirus cases remain close to the record high seen last week, with an average of 1,134 patients per day in hospital compared to 1,160. The figure is more than double (up 141%) the same period last year (470). NHS England said visits to the webpage on norovirus have risen by 40% in the last week – from 53,052 to 74,324. Meanwhile, the UKHSA lab data – representing a fraction of cases in the community – show confirmed cases in the two weeks from February 3 to 16 were 29.4% higher than the previous fortnight and more than double the five-season average for the same period. For every case reported in this national data, around 288 cases occur in the community, suggesting around three million cases annually in the UK. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, said 'we can be under no illusions about the continued pressure staff are still facing'. He added: 'To help stop the spread of norovirus, the medical advice is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water and avoid mixing with other people until you have not had symptoms for two days. 'While pressures on hospitals remain incredibly high, people should continue to use NHS services in the normal way – using 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions, and only using 999 or attending A&E in life-threatening emergencies.' Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'These statistics show that we are still not out of the winter woods, and I want to thank all NHS staff for their hard work in the face of substantial pressures on the health service. 'We have taken important steps to reduce winter pressures this year, including getting doctors back on the frontline, rather than the picket line, and introducing the country's first RSV vaccination scheme. 'Through the government's Plan for Change, we will deliver the investment and reform required to turn our health service around, so it will be there for all of us when we need it, once again.' The NHS England data released on Thursday also shows that time lost to ambulance handover delays rose by more than a fifth (22%) in the last week (to 22,796 hours compared with 18,688 the week before). Ambulance handover delays occur when ambulances arrive at A&E but are unable to hand patients over to staff due to units being busy. This means paramedics are unable to get back on the road to attend to other patients. Overall, the NHS data on Thursday showed that 95.3% of all NHS adult beds are full with patients, with 96,807 patients in hospital each day. Delays in discharging patients who are medically fit to leave hospital also remain high, with one in seven beds taken up by people who could be cared for elsewhere. The interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said: 'NHS wards are full to the brim with barely any spare beds… 'Pressure on emergency services continues to be a huge worry for trust leaders, with a worrying increase in staff time lost to ambulance handover delays last week. 'We need to do everything we can to get ambulance services back on the road so they can get to the sickest patients, fast.'
