Norovirus is most commonly known as the “winter vomiting bug”, but people heading on holiday abroad this summer are being warned about a resurgence of the virus.
According to data from the Centre of Disease Control (CDC), outbreaks have occurred on cruise ships, with nearly 2,000 people said to have been infected.
There have been 13 recorded outbreaks on ships belonging to Viking Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and P&O Cruises.
The most recent outbreak was on a Viking Cruises ship travelling from Iceland in June.
It had 110 passengers and eight crew sick with the illness. Experts believe an increase in cruise passengers over the last year is the cause of the surge.
Speaking to Today, Dr Luis Ostrosky, an infectious disease specialist at UTHealth Houston, said: “I think our travel frenzy after Covid is partially fuelling this continued spread (of norovirus).”
The NHS notes the main symptoms of norovirus as:
- Feeling sick
- Diarrhoea
- Being sick
A person with norovirus may also experience:
- A high temperature
- A headache
- Aching arms and legs
Symptoms may start suddenly within one to two days of being infected.
The virus is most infectious from the start of symptoms until 48 hours after all symptoms have stopped.
A person may also be infectious for a short time before and after this.
You can catch norovirus from close contact with someone with the virus, touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them and then touching your mouth, and eating food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus.
How to treat norovirus
Norovirus can usually be treated at home, the 1most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
A person with the virus will usually start to feel better in two to three days.
The NHS advises: “Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.”