Vomiting Bug Still Has UK on Its Knees

Vomit-inducing norovirus strikes with a vengeance

(NEWSER) - Dozens of hospital wards across the UK have shut their doors in an effort to stop the spread of a vomiting virus that has already infected more than 2 million nationwide. With 100,000 new patients per week, many already-overflowing hospitals have been forced to cancel non-emergency operations and focus exclusively on the norovirus outbreak, the Guardian reports. More»

Drugs could boost body's natural virus-killing process

(NEWSER) - Until recently, it was thought that there was no cure for the common cold. Now, new research shows that our immune systems can destroy the cold virus after it has entered a cell, the Independent reports. New antiviral drugs could be developed based on this research within the next few years, scientists believe, and such drugs could also fight viruses like norovirus, which causes vomiting, and rotavirus, which afflicts many children in developing countries with diarrhea. More»

Opponents argue that infirm, elderly will be disadvantaged

(NEWSER) - The UK plans to phase out the paper check in 2018. Officials say they'll use the next 8 years to push for innovation in payments in the country, especially electronic methods. There is robust opposition to the plan, the Telegraph reports, but the Payment Council—a semi-governmental UK entity made up of banking industry leaders and independent overseers—has pledged to “ensure that everyone has a viable alternative.” More»

'Gerontophile' attacked women as old as 93

(NEWSER) - A Londoner has been busted for a host of crimes, including rape, targeting the elderly over the last 17 years. Delroy Grant, 52, appears in court today to face 11 charges of rape, burglary and indecent assault. But police believe he is responsible for some 108 crimes, striking as often as 5 times in a single night. Grant is charged with attacking victims from the age of 63 to 93. More»

(NEWSER) - A 74-year-old passenger has died after some 150 people fell ill with suspected norovirus on the luxury cruise liner Marco Polo, reports the BBC. The ship was touring the UK and Ireland with some 1100 passengers and staff when the illness broke out. The liner is currently being held at a Scottish port as health authorities investigate and an autopsy is conducted on the dead passenger. More»