Norovirus can be terrible, but is rarely fatal.

Yet it can be.

Norovirus claimed the life of a healthy Karen Tomlinson, 38, a UK inquest has heard.

The Derbyshire Times reports Tomlinson was found dead on her living room floor by her father last September 15, Chesterfield Coroner’s Court heard on Thursday.

The inquest revealed single Ms Tomlinson, who worked as a benefits officer, was likely to have contracted norovirus from someone else.

Pathologist Dr Roger Start said: “Norovirus can be extremely debilatating and highly contagious.

“There have been numerous outbreaks both this year and last year.”

Norovirus, which causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea, is thought to contribute to the deaths of about 80 people in the UK each year.

Recording a verdict of natural causes, coroner Sophie Cartwright said: “Ms Tomlinson was a hard-working young woman who strove to live healthily.

“It’s extremely sad and tragic that she died of norovirus.”

After the inquest, Ms Tomlinson’s father Brian said his daughter was a “lovely and kind” person. He added that he loved seeing her.