Call for diligent handwashing across the UK as Kawasaki variant becomes dominant

New strain of norovirus seems to be sweeping the country

Norovirus – also known as the “winter vomiting bug” has a new – and more concerning – aspect as numbers of cases begin to increase across the UK. The Kawasaki variant, first identified in the Japanese city in 2014, has been responsible for a doubling of cases across the UK compared to a similar period last year, according to a recent report on the Daily Record website. 

A report by Steven Smith on The Mirror website warned that “instances of the vomiting bug have doubled compared to last year.” He quoted a GP of more than 25 years – Dr John Burke, chief medical officer at AXA Health. “If you become infected with norovirus it’s essential to practise proper hygiene and cleanliness.”

Meanwhile, an article on the Nottingham Post website indicated that the Kawasaki variant of norovirus has become the dominant strain “accounting for 70% of all cases”.

Danni King on the OK! website revealed that there are “around 12,000 hospital admissions in the UK every year”, but since the onset of the aforementioned new strain of the illness there has been “an even bigger surge in diagnoses.”

Hand washing is key

Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in its norovirus guidance reveals that the illness is easily spread from one person to another. “Spread can happen through poor hand hygiene after using the toilet.” In fact, says the Trust, there is one key activity that does more to prevent its spread.

“Good hand washing is the key to the prevention of Norovirus infection.”

NHS guidance Norovirus (vomiting bug) emphasises that the illness can “spread very easily” by close personal contact, touching contaminated surfaces, and by eating contaminated food. The NHS warns that alcohol gels do not help to prevent the spread and are mostly ineffective.

There is, it might be said, a rather more “traditional” method of carrying out effective hand hygiene procedures.

“Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.”

Effective mobile hand washing for everyone – wherever they are

Teal produces a comprehensive range of mobile and washing units for every type of hand washing situation for use by anyone who needs to wash their hands effectively, whether they’re in hospital or medical facility, care home, an office environment, temporary accommodation or out in the field on a daily basis.

Mobile hand wash stations can also be hired »

There are vehicle mounted, wall mounted, mains powered and free standing hand wash stations as well as mobile sinks for use with pre-heated hot water.

The Teal range of mobile sinks includes the MediWash, Hygienius and Hygienius ProWash, BigSynk, Super Stallette, TEALwash, Handeman Xtra, Compact Classic, HandSpa, CliniWash – and now the new WashStand Xtra.