THE number of cases of a contagious virus is on the rise – and hospital bosses are urging the public to limit visits.
Norovirus, known as the winter vomiting bug, causes a sudden onset of diarrhoea and vomiting.
In the first five weeks of 2025, there were 261 cases of Norovirus reported.
The HSE has warned that this figure is rising as the emerging norovirus variant GII.17 spreads.
A parallel increase has also been reported in the UK and the US.
The HSE said heightened activity in health care settings is placing additional winter stress on an already burdened system.
A HSE spokesperson said: “During winter 2024-2025, there has been an increased level of norovirus activity across the northern hemisphere.
“This increase has been due in part to an emerging norovirus variant – GII.17.
“Because this is a new variant of norovirus, people will have only partial immunity to it, which will increase the likelihood of illness.
“At the beginning of December 2024, an increase in norovirus cases and outbreaks was seen in Ireland. The UK, other countries in Europe and US have also seen similar rises.
“Members of the public are also advised to avoid visiting hospitals or nursing homes if unwell with vomiting and diarrhoea, to reduce the risk of spreading norovirus into healthcare settings.”
Although dubbed the winter vomiting bug, the infection can be caught at any time of the year.
It’s extremely contagious with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and feeling unwell.
Some people may have a slight fever, headache, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs.
These symptoms can start one to two days after infection and last for two or three days.
The virus is spread if small particles of vomit or faeces from an infected person get into another person’s mouth, according to the HSE.
The Mater Hospital in Dublin has been urging the public to avoid its emergency department since January 30.
In a statement, they said: “Patients who are presenting at our ED with non-urgent conditions are unfortunately experiencing lengthy waiting times to be seen.
“Where possible, the Mater advises patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as minor injury units or their GP.
“However, any patient who is in need of emergency hospital care will of course be seen and the Mater would urge such patients not to delay and to seek such care.
“Due to the high number of viral illnesses present in the hospital, we will be strictly enforcing visiting times and volumes.”
HSE – How to prevent norovirus
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- Do not attend work or school, and avoid hospital visits, until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared.
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water whenever possible, as alcohol-based hand gels are ineffective against the virus.
- Clean surfaces with a bleach-based household disinfectant.
Ensure to wash contaminated clothing and bedding separately on a hot cycle to eliminate the virus. - Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and flannels.
Flush infected faeces or vomit down the toilet and sanitise the area around it. - Avoid eating raw or unwashed fruits and vegetables
