Number of norovirus patients in English hospitals hits record high
GuardianFEB 24
England Faces Record-Breaking Surge in Norovirus Cases
Above:Â Ambulances from both privately owned companies and the London Ambulance Service waiting in line outside the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel on Jan. 31, 2025 in London, UK. Â Image copyright:Â Mike Kemp/Contributor/In Pictures via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The record-high norovirus cases reflect a return to pre-pandemic behaviors, with surveys showing decreased hand hygiene practices and increased presenteeism in workplaces, creating perfect conditions for virus transmission. The current situation stems from people becoming less vigilant about infection prevention measures.
Narrative B
The unprecedented surge is primarily a systemic issue, with hospitals running at dangerously high capacity levels due to discharge delays and insufficient social care resources. The crisis is exacerbated by multiple winter viruses stretching healthcare resources beyond their limits.