'Unpleasant' norovirus cases up over 50% this week as people urged to stay home with symptoms

Cases of the "unpleasant" norovirus are up 50% in Ireland this week, the HSE has revealed. 

The Health Service is urging people to get familiar with the symptoms of the virus and to stay at home if they have them. 

There were 86 cases in the week ending February 7th, while there were 56 the week previous.

READ NEXT: 'Despicable, powerful men' - Tánaiste urges anyone with information on Jeffrey Epstein to bring it to Gardaí

That's a 54% rise in cases, according to BreakingNews.ie.

Norovirus, also known as the Winter vomiting bug, can cause vomiting and diarrhea and spread easily in public places. 

"While these illnesses are unpleasant but mild for many, they can be very serious for older adults, young children, and people with underlying health conditions," the HSE said. 

READ NEXT: Learner drivers warned that tests may not happen as testers prepare to strike next week

Since the beginning of the Winter season in September, there have been 676 reported cases of the illness.

Almost 60% of the cases reported this week are in people aged 65 and older.

People with the bug are being urged by the HSE to stay at home for at least 48 hours.

"It’s not always possible to avoid getting norovirus, but you can help stop the virus spreading," Dr Paul McKeown, a consultant in public health medicine, said.