What is the Welsh Government's strategy to tackle the recent spike of norovirus cases across Wales?
Norovirus is more common in winter although this year we have seen an increase in cases during spring, these have been lower than earlier in the year and are now reversing. Public Health Wales (PHW) surveillance of norovirus cases covers both laboratory confirmed cases and reports of outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness in various settings (e.g., residential homes and schools / nurseries). Under-ascertainment is a recognised challenge in norovirus surveillance as it will depend on the level of testing undertaken. In the last twelve weeks (26th February to 19th May), there has been a 13.6% decrease in the number of laboratory confirmed cases relative to the previous 12 week period.
While confirmed case numbers have declined in recent weeks, there is evidence from settings-based surveillance of an increase in reports of gastrointestinal illness particularly in schools/nurseries. Health protection teams routinely give advice on prevention and control to support prevention and manage cases in these settings and NHS Wales follows infection and prevention control guidance and advice to primarily prevent outbreaks but also respond should they occur.
PHW has also produced and information leaflet for the public that includes advice to avoid catching norovirus Layout 1 (nhs.wales)