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.

“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.