Island monitoring big rise in norovirus cases in UK

No similar rise in hospital cases at Noble's

With norovirus hospital admissions running at record levels in the UK, the Island's deputy director of public health says the situation is being monitored closely.

Dr Ross Keat told Manx Radio that so far the Isle of Man is not seeing a similar rise in cases, but healthcare teams are always vigilant to the symptoms, particularly in healthcare settings and among those working with vulnerable groups.

Data from NHS England showed 1,160 patients a day were in hospital with the vomiting bug on average last week alone – that's double the level at the same period in 2024 and a record figure for the NHS.

Here in the Isle of Man Dr Keat is encouraging good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing with soap and water, to help prevent the spread of norovirus and other infections. 

If you do have symptoms of norovirus, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, the advice is to drink plenty of water and stay away from work or school for 48 hours after your symptoms have ended.