THE fight to stop an increase in cases of the winter vomiting disease in North Yorkshire has seen a plea for those with symptoms to stay in their homes this Christmas.

A recent surge in suspected cases of norovirus has led to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) asking people not to visit relatives in hospital or residential homes if there is a chance they could pass on the bug.

Dr Autilia Newton, consultant in communicable disease control at North Yorkshire and the Humber HPA, said: “We realise that people will be planning to visit friends and relatives in hospitals, care or nursing homes this Christmas, but people here are particularly vulnerable to infection.

“If you have symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting, the best thing you can do to protect your loved ones is to delay any visits to these places, until fully recovered.”

She said: “Norovirus can affect people of all ages. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for the virus, apart from letting the illness run its course and so, in the vast majority of cases, there is no additional benefit to visiting a GP or A&E department.

“It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially in the very young or the elderly.”

With many families planning to get together this weekend to enjoy Christmas dinner, the HPA has emphasised the importance of food hygiene in stopping the spread of norovirus.

“Many people don’t realise how easily it is spread, and therefore just how important it is for infected people to follow good hygiene measures, including thorough hand-washing, particularly after visiting the toilet,” said Dr Newton.

“To prevent further spread of the infection children and adults should also stay off work or school until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.”

For information on symptoms go to www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect