Wolverhampton residents urged to do 'all they can' to halt 'high' cases of norovirus from spreading

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes sickness and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but most people will make a full recovery within two or three days without needing any medicine.

However, some groups – including young children, the elderly or those with weakened immunity – are at risk of suffering more serious and prolonged illness, which may require medical treatment. 

Symptoms include feeling sick, being sick and diarrhoea, as well as a raised temperature, headache, tummy pain and body aches. The virus can easily spread from person to person through hand to mouth contact and can be picked up by touching infected surfaces such as equipment, hands, toys or dirty nappies or from eating food prepared or handled by someone with norovirus. 

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly anywhere that people are gathered, such as hospitals, schools or offices, especially during colder weather.

“If you have norovirus, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.

“Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and do not prepare food for others in that time either, because the virus can still be passed on in the days after you stop being sick.

“Washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water is the best way to stop it spreading; this is particularly important after an episode of illness, after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food.”

A spokesperson for Wolverhampton Council said: "If you are concerned about symptoms talk to your GP by phone, contact NHS 111. For more information on how to help yourself or your family members recover from norovirus, visit NHS | Norovirus (vomiting bug)."