The Biggest Outbreak In Years: Thousands Across Country Lie Low As Winter Vomiting Bug Spreads

Thousands of people across the country are lying low as a violent stomach bug spreads across the country.

The highly infectious winter vomiting bug has led to a fourfold increase in patients calling their GPs and as hit hotels, hospitals and nursing homes.

The outbreak is at one of its highest levels in years.

The most vulnerable are the elderly, pregnant women and small children, doctors warn.

The HSE Head of Health Protection, Dr Kevin Kelleher, told the Irish Independent that special care should be taken with those most at risk.

He said: "Elderly people and infants should ensure they get plenty of fluids and a minority may have to be hospitalised."

The infection causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea and can start with a sudden onset of explosive illness.

The virus is very resilient and can survive for weeks in the environment, living on door and toilet handles, remote controls, light switches and worktops. Schools have also been hit by the bug and residents of two hotels have been the victims of outbreaks.

The bug has also had a major knock-on effect for businesses as staff take sick leave.

Workers remain infectious for up to 48 hours after the symptoms of the illness pass.

"Handwashing with soap and water, especially after contact with someone who is ill and after using the toilet, is also extremely important, particularly if you are or have been sick,” Dr McKeown advises.

"When it gets into hospitals or nursing homes, it can cause serious disruption, for example, ward closures, cancelled operations and added pressure on emergency departments."

He added: "It is important that ill and vulnerable patients in these settings do not become more ill than they already are."

Parents have been advised to bring their children to a surgery if they are ill, in case they are suffering from another serious condition.

The bug, known as the Norwalk virus, is most common at this time of the year, hence it is referred to as winter vomiting disease.

• Keep your hands clean, especially after the bathroom
• Try and clean the house and workplace regularly
• If a child is sick, bring them to the doctor, it could be something serious