Overview

• Between March 31 and April 27, England recorded 14,959 laboratory-confirmed norovirus cases, more than twice the five-year average of 6,446.
• Recent weeks have brought a modest decrease in new cases even as overall infection levels remain well above the seasonal average.
• The UK Health Security Agency advises individuals with symptoms to stay home for 48 hours after symptoms cease because infectivity can persist.
• Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at risk of more serious or prolonged illness from norovirus.
• Key precautions include frequent hand washing with soap and water, disinfecting contaminated surfaces and laundering soiled linens at 60°C.