How to spot new extremely contagious illness sweeping UK that is 'wiping people out'

A new variant of norovirus, known as the 'winter vomiting bug', is currently rampant across the UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified this strain as the Kawasaki strain, or GII.

17, which now accounts for around 70% of cases. People struck by the virus are being advised to stay home and avoid contact with others until at least 48 hours after symptoms cease.

Dr John Burke from AXA Health warned that norovirus is "extremely contagious". AXA Health has reported that instances of the vomiting bug have doubled compared to last year.

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The 'Kawasaki bug', first detected in Kawasaki, Japan, in 2014, has rapidly become prevalent throughout the UK. Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, advised: "If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not 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 in these settings."

Dr Burke, who serves as chief medical officer at AXA Health and boasts over 25 years as a GP, reiterated: "Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that spreads through contact and can cause sickness and diarrhoea for those infected. Often referred to as the 'winter vomiting bug' cases of Norovirus soar over autumn and winter as more people spend time indoors, in close proximity to each other."

The NHS describes norovirus, also known as the "winter vomiting bug", as a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Although it can be very unpleasant, it usually resolves on its own within two days.

NHS symptoms of norovirus

The NHS says that norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting bug", is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about two days.

The main symptoms of norovirus are:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea
• being sick (vomiting)

You may also have:

• a high temperature
• a headache
• aching arms and legs

The symptoms start suddenly within a day or two of being infected.

How to treat norovirus

You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

You will usually start to feel better in two or three days, the NHS says. Find out how to treat diarrhoea and vomiting in children and adults.

The NHS adds: "Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days. This is when you're most infectious. Do not visit hospitals or care homes during this time.