Norovirus hospital admissions have experienced a significant spike in recent weeks, with the latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showing a sharp 47% increase in cases during the first fortnight of 2026. This highly contagious stomach virus, often referred to as the "winter vomiting bug," is causing concern among health authorities as they urge the public to maintain rigorous hygiene practices to help control its spread.
National Overview of Norovirus Cases
Across England, the situation varies considerably, with the majority of NHS trusts recording no patients with norovirus in the most recent data. However, outbreaks are notably concentrated in specific regions, leading to substantial patient numbers in certain hospital trusts. The data, published by NHS England for the week ending January 18, 2026, highlights trusts with the highest averages, providing a clear picture of where the virus is most prevalent.
Top Affected NHS Trusts Nationally
Leading the list is Hull University Teaching Hospitals, with an average of 105 patients per day, up from 91 in the previous week. Other trusts with high counts include Hampshire Hospitals at 78 patients (increased from 48) and Somerset at 78 patients (slightly up from 76). Wirral University Teaching Hospital saw a dramatic rise to 50 patients from just 9, while Bolton reported 44 patients, up from 6. These figures underscore the localised nature of the outbreaks, with some areas experiencing severe spikes while others remain largely unaffected.
London's Norovirus Landscape
In London, norovirus cases are similarly concentrated in a few specific locations, rather than being widespread across the capital. The Royal Free London NHS Trust stands out as the most affected in the region, with its average daily patient count nearly doubling to 33 last week, compared to 17 in the previous week. This makes it one of the top ten trusts nationally for norovirus admissions.
Other London Trusts with Cases
Beyond the Royal Free London, a small number of other London trusts reported increases, though at much lower levels. King’s College Hospital recorded 8 patients, up from 3, while Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust had 4 patients, up from 3. These modest rises indicate that while the virus is present in parts of London, it is not causing widespread hospitalisation across the city's healthcare providers.
London Trusts with Zero Cases
Importantly, the vast majority of NHS trusts in London currently have no patients with norovirus, according to the latest data. This includes major providers such as Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Barts Health NHS Trust, and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, all of which reported zero cases. Other trusts like Imperial College Healthcare and Homerton Healthcare also recorded no patients, suggesting that effective containment measures or lower transmission rates are in place in these areas.
Understanding Norovirus and Prevention
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and headaches. It spreads easily through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated food or water, or surfaces, with symptoms typically appearing 1 to 3 days after exposure. Although it is often called the "winter vomiting bug," it can occur year-round, making ongoing vigilance essential.
The UKHSA has emphasised the importance of basic hygiene practices to curb the spread, including thorough handwashing with soap and water, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding preparation of food for others while symptomatic. These measures are particularly crucial in healthcare settings and communities experiencing outbreaks, as highlighted by the recent surge in cases.
Full List of NHS Trust Data
The following list details the average number of norovirus patients per day for the week ending January 18, 2026, compared to the previous week in brackets, starting with the highest counts:
- Hull University Teaching Hospitals: 105 (91)
- Hampshire Hospitals: 78 (48)
- Somerset: 78 (76)
- Wirral University Teaching Hospital: 50 (9)
- Bolton: 44 (6)
- University Hospitals Bristol & Weston: 42 (28)
- University Hospitals Sussex: 41 (21)
- York & Scarborough Teaching Hospitals: 39 (18)
- South Tees Hospitals: 34 (20)
- Royal Free London: 33 (17)
- East Suffolk & North Essex: 32 (17)
- Nottingham University Hospitals: 24 (38)
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay: 24 (23)
- South Warwickshire: 23 (14)
- Rotherham: 16 (3)
- James Paget University Hospitals: 15 (0)
- Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals: 14 (16)
- North Cumbria Integrated Care: 14 (22)
- North Tees & Hartlepool: 13 (0)
- Chesterfield Royal Hospital: 11 (0)
- Gloucestershire Hospitals: 10 (6)
- East Kent Hospitals University: 10 (6)
- King’s College Hospital: 8 (3)
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals: 6 (1)
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals: 5 (13)
- Royal Berkshire: 5 (1)
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals: 5 (10)
- Royal Wolverhampton: 5 (7)
- South Tyneside & Sunderland: 4 (7)
- University Hospital Southampton: 4 (4)
- Lewisham & Greenwich: 4 (3)
- Harrogate & District: 4 (2)
- Royal Devon University Healthcare: 3 (2)
- St George’s University Hospitals: 3 (0)
- Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospitals: 3 (3)
- Salisbury: 3 (3)
- Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells: 2 (2)
- Sherwood Forest Hospitals: 2 (0)
- Royal United Hospitals Bath: 1 (0)
- Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals: 1 (2)
- Mid Yorkshire Hospitals: 1 (3)
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals: 1 (0)
- Torbay & South Devon: 1 (0)
- Walsall Healthcare: 1 (0)
- Kingston Hospital: 1 (10)
Additionally, numerous trusts reported zero patients, including Alder Hey Children’s, Barts Health, Guy’s & St Thomas’, and University College London Hospitals, among many others listed in the original data. This distribution highlights the patchwork nature of the outbreaks, with some areas heavily impacted while others remain clear.
The recent surge in norovirus cases serves as a timely reminder of the virus's contagiousness and the need for continued public health efforts. As the UKHSA monitors the situation, individuals are encouraged to adhere to hygiene guidelines to protect themselves and others from this unpleasant illness.
