Illness caused by the Norovirus stomach bug is expected to peak this week as many people return to work after the winter break. The bug is usually passed on by the faecal/oral route, but it can also be passed on through contaminated food or water or contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.

Norovirus is a form of gastroenteritis and usually lasts for 24 to 48 hours.

The infection is not normally dangerous but the very young and very old are most at risk from dehydration.

Thorough hand washing at all times is essential to prevent the spread of this bug. The germ can often be passed on via toilets. Some surveys suggest that as many as 50% of women and 75% of men fail to wash their hands after visiting the toilet. Please ensure that you wash your hands properly with soap and warm water to ensure that the spread of this bug is minimised.