News

Norovirus, a very common cause of gastroenteritis, is currently circulating at high levels in the community and these levels are likely to continue for the next number of weeks.

Updates on norovirus cases are published on the HPSC's national notifiable disease hub.

Norovirus (the winter vomiting bug), which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is highly infectious and easily spread by close contact between people. HPSC.ie has more information about norovirus and how to protect you and your family, and how to clean up after someone has vomited.

Norovirus normally surges in winter, often boosted by increased socialising. At this time of year, when we still have a lot of influenza, RSV and COVID-19, high levels of norovirus, combined with pressures from circulating respiratory infections, can place severe demands on healthcare services.

Key messages for the public

Norovirus, in most people, is an unpleasant but mild illness that passes off quickly without any treatment. It can usually be managed at home - drinking plenty of fluids is usually all that is needed.

It's not always possible to avoid getting norovirus, but following the advice below can help stop the virus spreading:

• 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.

For more information on symptoms, treatment and prevention of norovirus visit https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/norovirus/ and https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/gastroenteric/norovirus/