Increase in winter vomiting bugs

Wed, 13 Dec 2023

Manx Care has seen an increase in cases of vomiting and diarrhoea in the community, particularly over the past few weeks.

The symptoms are consistent with viral gastroenteritis, a condition which is often seen in the winter and has been called Norovirus or ‘winter vomiting bug’.

The infection is highly contagious, meaning the illness can be spread easily on contact with the virus. Fortunately there are effective ways we can all reduce the risk of spread.

The most effective interventions include hand washing with soap and water, and cleaning of surfaces in lavatories and bathrooms with the right detergents.

The health care provider is asking anyone who has vomiting or diarrhoea, or has recently recovered from it, must avoid visiting patients in hospitals or residents in Care Homes until they have been completely free from symptoms for at least 48 hours.

 

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