NOROVIRUS has struck down more patients this winter than at any point in the last five years, new figures reveal.

Known as the winter vomiting bug, figures released by Public Health England reveal there have been 2,435 reports of norovirus this season. Norovirus is one of the most common stomach vomiting bugs in the UK and is highly contagious. It causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

The figure is 71 per cent higher than the same period last year, although 2015’s winter saw unusually low levels of the bug.

Great Western Hospital has urged people who suspect they may have the bug to steer clear of the hospital to protect vulnerable patients.

A spokesman said: “Norovirus is common at this time of year and can spread quickly in places where there are lots of people, such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals and schools.

"Under no circumstances should people visit GWH, or any other medical environment, until at least 48 hours after fully recovering from either vomiting or diarrhoea.

“Norovirus can cause serious problems for elderly people, pregnant women and those receiving treatment for, or recovering from, other conditions which is why it’s so important for local people to support us in keeping this unpleasant seasonal bug out of hospital.”

In November Chiseldon Primary School was forced to close for two days for a deep clean after a suspected norovirus outbreak saw pupils and teachers struck down by the bug.

In the week ending Christmas Day, outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhoea resulted in more bed closures than during the same period last year, rising from an average 559 beds closed per day to 699.

Hospitals reported 20 outbreaks of norovirus in the first two weeks of December, 17 of which led to bay or ward closures and 13 of which were confirmed as the bug. In total there have been 163 hospital outbreaks reported.

Nick Phin, deputy director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England, said: “Norovirus is a common cause of illness during winter.

"Exactly when the peak in activity occurs will be different each winter but levels seen so far this year are not unexpected compared with the previous five years.”

“The number of laboratory reports of the bug rotavirus this season is 1,136, which is also three per cent higher than the average for the period from 2003 to 2013.”

For more information about norovirus visit this NHS information page