New Figures Reveal Increase From 12 Months Ago

Illness experts at Irwin Mitchell have revealed their concerns after new figures revealed that the number of cases of norovirus reported in recent weeks is around 20 per cent higher than last year.

Official figures from the Health Protection Agency have revealed that the increase, which has come after a spate of cases were confirmed at hospitals across England, was recorded between July and the middle of December.

Staff at medical centres and hospitals across the country have been urged to continue with efforts to prevent the further spread of the illness, which is often referred to as the winter vomiting bug and can have a significant impact on the health of both young children and the elderly.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist illness team, who act for those who have contracted norovirus both in the UK and abroad, have backed the calls for hygiene standards to be rigorously maintained across the board.

Suki Chhokar, a Partner and illness expert at the national law firm’s Birmingham office, said: “It is very worrying to see the number of cases increase from last year.

“Through our work we’ve seen people left with long-term health problems as a result of contracting the disease, so it is an issue which needs to be treated with the utmost seriousness over the next few months.

“While the priority now is to prevent the spread of the illness and ensure those suffering are able to return to good health, it is vital that a review is carried out into how Trusts have reacted to this issue and whether any improvements can be made in terms of the management of outbreaks.”