As NHS is overwhelmed with record norovirus cases…is the vomiting bug swarming YOUR area?

England’s norovirus hotspots were revealed today as cases of the winter vomiting bug have surged to the highest level ever seen in hospitals.

NHS data show the North East and Yorkshire has been hit hardest by the virus with nearly 3,800 hospital beds occupied last week — more than quadruple the level seen in London.

It comes as concerning national figures show a record 1,160 patients were in hospital with norovirus per day in the week ending February 16. 

This was up from 950 patients per day the previous week and from 784 a month ago — a rise of 40 per cent.

Health officials urged Brits to keep frequently washing their hands to thwart transmission of the highly contagious virus and not add pressure to beleaguered hospital staff.  

While the majority of norovirus infections are mild and can be treated at home it can be a serious and even deadly illness for some patients. 

For vulnerable groups — like the elderly, young and immunocompromised patients like those undergoing cancer treatment — it could lead to dangerous levels of dehydration.

While deaths are rare in Britain norovirus does kill up to 80 patients every year.

According to latest NHS data, a total of 3,769 hospital beds in the North East and Yorkshire were either taken up or closed because of diarrhoea, vomiting and norovirus-like symptoms. 

 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust reported the highest number of beds taken up by the virus within the region, with 695 in total last week. 

This was followed by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at 554 and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust at 530. 

The Midlands, meanwhile, recorded the second highest total of any region in England with 1,965 beds occupied or closed. 

The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (463) and United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (398) accounted for nearly half of this total. 

In the East of England, a total of 1,565 beds were occupied or closed with West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (610) accounting for a third of the total alone. 

Close behind was the South East with 1,547 beds occupied or closed followed by the South West with 1,449.

London and the North West recorded the lowest levels with only 838 and 941 beds occupied or closed by norovirus. 

Overall, the NHS also remains alarmingly close to capacity with 95.4 per cent of adult hospital beds occupied. 

Experts warn that NHS staff performance drops once a 92 per cent bed occupancy is exceeded.  

National levels of the virus for the week ending February 16 are more the double the same point 12 months ago, when only an average of 509 beds were filled by norovirus patients.

It has been estimated that for every case of norovirus reported to national surveillance in the UK, there are roughly 288 in the community that go unreported.

Speaking yesterday  Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director, said the figures showing norovirus had reached an ‘all-time high’ were concerning and urged the public to help contain the spread. 

‘To help stop the spread of norovirus, it is important to remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water and avoid mixing with other people until you have not had symptoms for two days,’ he said.  

Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, added: ‘Norovirus cases are still exceptionally high and continue to rise, though we are hopeful that the school half term provides a break. 

‘It remains important to take steps to avoid passing on the infection.

‘Norovirus remains high in other settings like hospitals and care homes too, and can be more severe in older adults, younger children and those who are immunocompromised. 

Norovirus patients are recommended to rest and have lots of fluids by health professionals to aid their recovery. Paracetamol may also aid a fever or aches and pains. 

Many patients also ask doctors for antibiotics, but these are ineffective against viruses.