Norovirus, one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis, is currently on the increase in Ireland. This could lead to an increase in demand on healthcare facilities and staff. This period of higher levels of norovirus could continue for some weeks.
Norovirus levels are usually high between December and April, but there has been an unseasonal increase in the last few weeks that has also been seen in Europe and the US.
Key messages for health and care professionals:
Maintain a high index of suspicion - assume all vomitus is infectious, irrespective of cause
When two or more people in the same building/area/room/group develop vomiting within a day or so, there is a high likelihood that it is norovirus
Clean and decontaminate soiled areas immediately
Strict attention to routine hygiene/precautions and implementation of heightened cleaning/disinfection during outbreaks
Cohort ill patients to prevent further transmission
Exclude ill staff
Involve IPC colleagues at the earliest stage
Norovirus guidance for healthcare settings is available on the HPSC website:
