Winter vomiting bug outbreak at hospital
Rebecca Gough Three wards at West Suffolk Hospital have been forced to close after an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug over the weekend
Rebecca Gough
Three wards at West Suffolk Hospital have been forced to close after an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug over the weekend
Seven patients on ward F7, 10 on G3 and eight on ward G5 showed symptoms of the highly contagious norovirus.
All three wards were closed to new admissions over the weekend and will remain closed until at least 72 hours after the patients have recovered.
Visitors who have shown symptoms of the virus, which include vomiting and diarrhoea, are also asked to stay away.
The hospital's infection control doctor, Dr Caroline Barker, said: “We are managing the current cases using our stringent infection control policies and our cleaning staff have been working hard to make sure enhanced cleaning takes place on the affected wards.
Most Read
- 1 Norfolk zoo keeper abandoned as a baby reunited with mother in ITV show
- 2 Homes destroyed after blaze breaks out in terraced housing
- 3 Rugby club hoping to 'ignite' interest following pandemic
- 4 WATCH: 'Unplayable' delivery from Suffolk bowler goes viral
- 5 Thetford homes left with 'significant' damage following blaze
- 6 Man charged after robbing bookmakers with a knife in Suffolk town
- 7 100 East Anglian events you cannot miss this summer
- 8 Can you answer these 10 GCSE questions designed for 16-year-olds?
- 9 Nominations open for Thetford Business Awards 2023
- 10 Share of £120,000 cash pot on offer to Breckland groups
“We would advise anyone who has had diarrhoea or vomiting to stay away from the hospital for at least 72 hours after they have recovered, even if they feel better.
“Anyone who visits the hospital should be vigilant and take care to clean their hands. If they are visiting the affected wards, they should use soap and water when they arrive and before they leave as the alcohol gel is not effective against this virus.”
Anyone suffering from norovirus should stay at home, drink plenty of water and take paracetamol tablets to relieve a temperature.
People with the virus should to go to hospital if they are very young, very old or frail or are having problems with dehydration.