Les Britanniques sont mis en garde contre une possible « quadruple-démie » de virus, avec une augmentation de plus de 40 % des cas de norovirus, surnommé « virus de vomissements d’hiver ». Les experts prévoient également une recrudescence des cas de Covid, de RSV et de grippe, bien que ces derniers soient actuellement à faible niveau. Des conseils sont donnés pour limiter la propagation du norovirus, tandis qu’un nouveau vaccin est en phase d’essai au Royaume-Uni. Les ajustements dans la surveillance des maladies et la baisse des températures sont des facteurs contribuant à cette augmentation.
Brits have received a warning to brace themselves for a potential ‘quadruple-demic’ of illnesses.
Instances of norovirus, commonly referred to as the sickness bug, have surged by over 40% in just two weeks, with expectations of further increases.
Health experts predict a rise in cases of Covid, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and flu over the coming weeks, despite their current low transmission rates.
Carolina Goncalves, a superintendent pharmacist for Pharmica, stated, « The danger of a ‘quadruple-demic’ is very real for certain individuals. »
« Simultaneous outbreaks of Covid, flu, RSV, and norovirus in the colder months can lead to successive illnesses and may be worsened by seasonal influences, increased indoor events, and some individuals having weakened immune systems, » she remarked.
Norovirus is a highly infectious viral illness, often known as the ‘winter vomiting bug.’
Similar to Covid and flu, it can leave those infected with chills, fever, and headaches, but it also causes severe vomiting and diarrhea as its primary symptoms.
Recent figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicate a 41% increase in reports of norovirus in just two weeks.
From October 7 to October 20, 447 laboratory reports confirmed the presence of the highly contagious norovirus, a rise from the 382 cases reported in the previous two weeks.
This suggests that the number of individuals affected by the bug is more than double what is usually expected for this season, according to the agency.
Gauri Godbole, the deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, mentioned, « As we enter the winter season, norovirus levels are already higher than normal, and we anticipate further spreading in the weeks ahead. »
She noted that there has been a significant increase in cases, particularly among adults aged 65 and over.
To help mitigate the spread of norovirus, individuals can take preventive measures.
« If you experience diarrhea and vomiting, refrain from returning to work, school, or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms resolve, and avoid preparing food for others during that period, » she advised.
« If you feel unwell, please avoid visiting hospitals and care homes to prevent transmitting the infection in these environments. »
The rise in cases coincides with trials of a new vaccine that may help prevent norovirus. The mRNA vaccine from Moderna is in the final stages of testing, with early results indicating a strong immune response.
The UKHSA report notes that the increase in detected cases may be attributed to changes in national disease surveillance following the pandemic.
Shifts in testing protocols and colder weather could also contribute to these findings.
Not every case of norovirus is reported or tested, meaning the actual number of infections could be significantly higher.
In addition to norovirus, people in the UK are also falling ill from other seasonal viruses.
Data from the UKHSA indicates a rise in RSV infections, which have resulted in increased hospital admissions.
RSV is a widespread respiratory infection that can be particularly dangerous for infants and the elderly.
In the last week, RSV cases increased to 5.2%, with hospital admissions rising to 1.26 per 100,000, up from 0.88.
Flu rates have also climbed to 2.7%.
Experts from UKHSA have raised concerns that flu cases among children aged 5 to 14 are already twice as high compared to the general population, prompting calls for parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.
Meanwhile, Covid hospitalizations have decreased to 3.91 per 100,000, down from 4.4 the previous week.
However, experts are keeping a close watch on a new, more contagious variant of Covid labeled XEC, which is spreading across various European countries.
Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal, a Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, stated, « The three primary respiratory infections remain at low levels, although we expect increases in Covid and flu in the coming weeks, while RSV is already on the rise, particularly among children under five. »
Vaccinations for flu, Covid, and RSV are available, and we urge those eligible to schedule their appointments soon to ensure protection as winter approaches.
Our current monitoring indicates that about 13% of sequenced Covid cases belong to the XEC variant, but current data suggests there is no need for heightened concern regarding this variant.