A VOMITING bug sweeping through Britain, Europe and the United States could infect about half a million Australians this winter, warn scientists who identified the new strain.
The norovirus variant known as Sydney 2012 was identified last March by the University of NSW and the Prince of Wales Hospital.
The virus has become the dominant strain in Britain, infecting about 1.2 million people and resulting in dozens of hospital ward closures, the nation's Health Protection Agency said last week.
It is also suspected to be behind the recent gastroenteritis outbreaks aboard several cruise ships.
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The virus was only responsible for about a quarter of the gastroenteritis infections in NSW last year, but was to blame for about 75 per cent of infections in Adelaide, said Professor Peter White from the UNSW science faculty.
Professor White, who led the team that identified Sydney 2012, estimated the virus could infect more than 400,000 Australians this winter to become the dominant strain.
Professor White said the virus would likely hit child and aged-care facilities and hospitals hardest and could result in ward closures.
The virus causes vomiting and diarrhoea for one to three days but can be fatal for vulnerable groups, including the elderly.
Professor White said infected people should wait 48 hours after symptoms subside before returning to work, school or childcare to prevent the spread of the disease.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/sydney-virus-linked-to-gastro-cases-20130120-2d18c.html#ixzz2IWged8mQ
