The number of people suffering with in has surged to a new record high - sparking concerns it could be caught by members of the animal kingdom too.

An average of 1,160 beds were filled each day last week by patients with , up 22% from 948 the previous week. Norovirus levels also remain higher than this time last year, when an average of 509 beds were filled with patients with symptoms, and two years ago (629 patients).

As the number continues to rise several people are searching if there is a chance could be possibly affected by the virus. According to a previous study, the answer is yes. Titled Evidence for Human Norovirus Infection of in the , the paper reads: “Human noroviruses are a major cause of viral gastroenteritis, with an estimated 3 million cases per year in the United Kingdom. With 31% of United Kingdom households owning a dog, this could prove to be an important transmission route.

“Results showed seven different genotypes of virus-like particles can bind to canine gastrointestinal tissue, suggesting that infection is at least theoretically possible. Dogs were first suggested to be potential zoonotic vectors in 1983, following an outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis in an elderly-care home.

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“Just prior to development of clinical symptoms in humans, the owner's dog was sick on multiple occasions around the home. Serological testing of the dog later revealed a moderate titer to antigen by electron microscopy, whereas control dogs were all seronegative.

Later evidence linking dogs with infections in humans followed in an epidemiological study showing seropositivity in humans was higher if there was a dog in the household, and antibodies have recently been identified in dogs across Europe.”

The says anyone who has symptoms, including a high temperature, , stomach pain and body aches and pains, should not go to school, nursery or work until two days after they have been sick or had diarrhoea. People should also avoid and care homes for the same period.

Norovirus can usually be treated at home and people should start to feel better in only to or three days. Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

If you or your child have norovirus, you can usually treat it at home. You'll usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days. Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

It comes as warned were facing high levels of the illness. At the start of February, 961 patients a day were recorded as having norovirus. As a result, one hospital in closed three wards in a bid to curb the spread of infection. Professor Arlene Wellman, group chief nurse for , commented: “Once norovirus enters a hospital, it can rip through our wards like wildfire, making patients even sicker.”