Stomach bug hits England

LONDON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Health officials in England warned people afflicted with a virulent stomach bug that was spreading rapidly through the country to stay home from work.

Health officials and general practitioners estimated that more than 100,000 people per week are contracting norovirus, a virulent stomach bug that causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea, the Daily Telegraph reported Thursday.

The National Health Service said more than 2 million people since October contracted the virus and urged people affected by the virus to stay home at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.

"The number of cases reported this year surpasses all other recent years, except 2002, which was the most severe season recorded and was associated with the emergence of a new virus type," said a Health Protection Agency report.

Norovirus potentially costs the NHS nearly $200 million in an epidemic year in operation and employee expenses and economists estimate England could lose $24 million a week from sick workers.

The losses since October approach $470 million.