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Local Authority > Walsall Public Health > Infection Prevention and Control > Norovirus

Norovirus

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is the most common stomach bug in the UK. It’s very infectious. It’s particularly prevalent where lots of people congregate such as schools and nurseries, hospitals and care homes.  It can affect people of all ages and cause sickness and diarrhoea.

 

There is no treatment for Norovirus, so it has to be left to run its course. The symptoms are unpleasant and can initially be quite distressing, but they shouldn’t last for more than a couple of days. If you need medical advice please contact 111 or your pharmacist/Doctor by phone.  Adults and children should avoid going to GP surgeries or hospitals while they have symptoms to prevent further spread of the virus.

 

Because the virus is very infectious, children and staff who have sickness and diarrhoea must remain off school or nursery for 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea to stop the spread of the infection to other children and staff

 

If a school notices an increase in the number of pupils/staff reporting diarrhoea and sickness symptoms they must contact Public Health England on PHE is 0344 325 3560 option 2 and to notify them and to get advice as soon as possible.

 

 

 

Control measures:

Thorough and regular hand washing with soap and water to prevent spread (alcohol hand rubs don’t kill norovirus)

Increased cleaning is required with bleach based products because the virus can survive for several days on surfaces or objects

Symptomatic people should be excluded from contact with others until they are symptom free for 48 hours

 

Please find here links to a poster to display in EYS or schools and a checklist regarding actions to take if a student(s) or member of staff(s) reports that they have diarrhoea or vomiting symptoms.