An outbreak of Norovirus in a childcare facility in the east of the country towards the end of October saw 33 people fall ill.
The vomiting bug tends to speak in winter with many cases being reported in the last month across Ireland according to figures released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
A further five cases were linked to an outbreak in a hospital in the north-east of the country two weeks later.
But what is the highly-contagious Norovirus? Here’s all you need to know.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is also called the winter vomiting bug, it causes diarrhoea and vomiting, and is one of the most common stomach bugs in Ireland.
This is because it’s more common in winter, although you can catch it at any time of the year.
It can be very unpleasant but it usually clears up by itself in a few days.
How does the virus spread?
The virus spreads very easily in public places such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools.
You can catch it if small particles of vomit or poo from an infected person get into your mouth.
This can happen through close contact with someone with the virus.
They may breathe out small particles containing the virus that you could inhale or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.
The virus can survive outside the body for several days eating contaminated food.
This can happen if an infected person does not wash their hands before handling food.
You are most infectious from when your symptoms start until 48 hours after all your symptoms have passed. You may also be infectious for a short time before and after this.
You can get it more than once because the virus is always changing.
Because of this, your body is unable to build up long-term resistance to it.
You can normally look after yourself or your child at home.
Try to avoid going to your GP, as Norovirus can spread to others very easily.
Symptoms of Norovirus
- Feeling sick
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Diarrhoea
Some people also have a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs. The symptoms start one to two days after you become infected and last for up to two or three days.
What is the treatment for Norovirus?
The best thing to do is to stay at home until you’re feeling better.
There’s no cure for Norovirus, so you have to let it run its course.
You can’t always prevent catching Norovirus but you can do some things to help.
Make sure to stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed. You should also avoid visiting anyone in the hospital during this time.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. Do not rely on alcohol hand gels, as they do not kill the virus.
Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated. It’s best to use a bleach-based household cleaner.
Wash any items of clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated separately on a hot wash to ensure the virus is killed.