North Cumbria's NHS trust has confirmed that there is not an outbreak of norovirus present at the hospitals they oversee, despite a national rise in infections.

Norovirus and rotavirus infections have been on the rise across England, with new data showing significantly higher levels than usual for this time of year.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that norovirus infections, commonly known as the 'winter vomiting bug', have more than doubled compared to the average figures from previous years.

Between late September and early October 2024, 315 cases of norovirus were confirmed in England.

This is more than double the five-season average of 136 cases for the same period.

UKHSA officials believe a combination of factors, including the aftermath of the Covid pandemic and changes in testing practices, may be driving this increase.

UKHSA is currently investigating these trends to better understand the cause.

The rise in norovirus outbreaks is also evident in hospitals, with a 22 per cent increase in outbreaks compared to the five-season average.

Of the outbreaks recorded, 92 per cent were confirmed to be caused by norovirus.

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This strain of the virus, particularly the GII.17 variant, has been more common in recent months, both in the UK and abroad.

Rotavirus, another gastrointestinal virus, has also seen a surge in cases.

Between weeks 39 and 40 of 2024, 98 cases were reported, a 63 per cent increase compared to the five-season average.

The overall number of rotavirus cases this season is 59 per cent higher than the usual levels for this time of year, although recent figures have remained stable.

Both viruses are primarily spread through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, with norovirus typically causing vomiting and diarrhoea.

As infections tend to peak during colder months, UKHSA officials are urging the public to take precautions, particularly in high-risk settings like hospitals and care homes.

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A spokesperson from North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC), the trust that oversees Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, confirmed that there are no cases or outbreaks in either hospital.

They added that NCIC continues to test patients who present with or develop unexplained diarrhoea and/or vomiting symptoms and the trust has not had any recent laboratory-confirmed cases of norovirus within the trust.

"Where the trust does have a norovirus outbreak, we may need to close wards and limit visiting, all of which can have a significant impact on our services.

"We try our best to mitigate the impact of any outbreak by regularly holding infection prevention meetings to share learning and best practice across the trust.

"To reduce the number of norovirus outbreaks, we ask visitors to follow our infection prevention procedures and always practice good hand hygiene measures. 

"If you or anyone you are in close contact with develops symptoms of norovirus, we would as you avoid any of our sites until you have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours," they added.

To protect against norovirus, the NHS advises regular handwashing with soap and water, as alcohol-based hand sanitisers are less effective against the virus.

It is important to handle food safely by thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables and ensuring seafood is properly cooked; disinfect surfaces using bleach-based cleaners; wash any contaminated clothing or bedding at high temperatures; avoid close contact with those who are infected, and if you contract norovirus, stay at home for at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared to help prevent the virus from spreading.