Winter vomiting bug cases on the decline

RATES of the winter vomiting bug in the Lothians have fallen this year.

NHS Lothian said the norovirus, which leads to the shutting of wards and can cause deaths in more frail patients, has abated.

Improved levels of hygiene and awareness, as well as kinder weather compared with last winter, have all been suggested as a possible reason.

NHS Lothian’s director of public health, Dr Alison McCallum, said: “NHS Lothian, in common with the rest of Scotland, is experiencing lower levels of norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, so far this winter.

“However, we also have robust infection control procedures in place which detect and deal with the virus swiftly and efficiently.”