Record vomit virus cases predicted

EDINBURGH, Scotland, July 19 (UPI) -- Scottish health officials disagree over the cause of a rapidly rising number of "winter vomiting bug" cases.

The Scottish National Party warned hospitals Saturday to expect a record number of cases of the bug, known as norovirus, this year, the BBC reported.

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In making the announcement, SNP health spokeswoman Shona Robison blamed the increase on poor hospital hygiene, the BBC said.

Robison said there have been 134 known cases in the first quarter of this year compared to 187 cases in all of last year.

Robison criticized hospital officials for privatizing cleaning services, saying it may be financially cheaper but the public is paying the price in higher health risks.

The Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health, however, disagreed.

A spokesman told the BBC better diagnosis and reporting are the cause for the higher number.

There is "absolutely no evidence" to link the increase with hospital cleanliness, he said.