Norovirus cases rise 61% in two weeks as UKHSA urges hygiene measures

Norovirus cases across the UK have surged by more than 60% in the past fortnight, prompting renewed public health warnings from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), particularly as infections rise sharply among older adults and hospital outbreaks increase.

The latest UKHSA weekly surveillance report for the 2025/26 season shows that norovirus laboratory reports between 5 and 18 January 2026 were 61.1% higher than the previous two-week period and 60% higher than the five-season average for the same time of year.

Health officials say adults aged 65 and over are being disproportionately affected, with a corresponding rise in outbreaks reported in hospital settings.

Despite the increase in gastrointestinal illness, surveillance data indicates that flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) levels are continuing to fall overall, although RSV activity among older adults has remained unchanged.

Hygiene remains key as alcohol gels ineffective

UKHSA is urging the public to take simple but effective steps to limit the spread of norovirus, stressing that alcohol-based hand gels do not kill the virus.

Regular handwashing with warm soapy water and cleaning surfaces with bleach-based products remain the most effective protections.

Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:

“Norovirus cases have remained high in recent weeks and continues to rise, particularly among people aged 65 and over. This increase is in line with what we expected following Christmas, and we are now seeing hospital outbreaks begin to climb as well.”

She added:

“We should all remember the simple steps we can all take to stop norovirus spreading. Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”

People experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting are being advised to stay away from work, school and childcare settings until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, and to avoid preparing food for others during that period.

Ms Douglas said:

“If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, don’t return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection to those most vulnerable.”

Older adults urged to remain cautious

While respiratory virus activity is generally declining, health officials say vigilance remains important, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:

“While trends are heading in the right direction, it’s important to remember that we are not yet at the end of the flu season and people should still take necessary steps to reduce the spread, particularly around those more vulnerable.”

He warned that RSV levels in older adults have not fallen in line with other age groups:

“Although activity is declining in general, cases of RSV in older adults have remained at similar levels for the past few weeks which is why we urge those eligible to come forward for the vaccine.”

The RSV vaccination programme remains open year-round for pregnant women and adults aged 75 to 80 who have not yet received a dose.

Latest surveillance snapshot

For the week 12 to 18 January 2026, UKHSA data shows:

• Influenza activity decreased and is circulating at low levels

• COVID-19 activity remained stable at baseline levels

• RSV activity decreased slightly and is circulating at low levels

Norovirus surveillance data for weeks 2 and 3 of 2026 highlights that:

• Activity has increased, particularly among adults aged 65 and over

• Hospital outbreak numbers remain 41.9% lower than the five-season average overall, despite recent increases

• The majority of cases are linked to norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), with GII.4 the most common strain identified

Symptoms and risks

Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, and can also involve a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs. Health officials warn that dehydration is a serious risk, particularly for young children, older people and those who are immunocompromised, and advise drinking plenty of fluids during illness.

Vaccination uptake

Up to 18 January 2026, vaccine uptake for the 2025/26 flu season stands at:

• 74.3% in adults aged over 65

• 40.4% in under-65s with long-term health conditions

• 38.4% in pregnant women

• Around 44% in children aged two and three

The flu, COVID-19 and RSV surveillance report and the national norovirus and rotavirus surveillance reports for the 2025 to 2026 season are published weekly by UKHSA.