150,000 ill with bug over festive period

During the last two weeks of 2012, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed 529 cases of norovirus.

But for every reported case, an estimated 288 are not flagged up.

The HPA said there have been 4,140 laboratory-confirmed cases of norovirus, meaning as many as 1.19m people could have contracted the illness this season – a 63 per cent rise on the previous season. The bug has swept the country and has led to the closure of dozens of hospital wards. During the last two weeks, 33 hospital outbreaks of the bug were reported.

An HPA spokeswoman said cases of norovirus have risen earlier than expected this season – a trend which has been seen across Europe.

However, health officials noted a decline in the number of confirmed cases over the last fortnight of 2012 because many people do not seek medical attention during the festive period.

But they estimate the figure will increase over the coming weeks, mimicking norovirus activity in previous seasons.

John Harris, an expert in norovirus from the HPA, said: “Our latest figures covering the New Year period show a further decline in the number of cases and this is what we would expect to see.

“We can never predict how busy a season will be or what will happen in the weeks ahead although, as with other norovirus seasons, we will expect to see an increase in the number of laboratory reports in the next few weeks until the end of March when activity begins to fall away.

“If you think you may have the illness then it is important to stay away from hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes to avoid spreading it to people who may have underlying health conditions and already be vulnerable.”