Vomiting bug shuts hospital ward

A ward at a Cumbria hospital has shut due to an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug norovirus.

Wigton Hospital's in-patient ward has closed to all admissions and transfers except in medical emergencies.

Clinicians at NHS Cumbria are urging people not to visit the hospital unless it is absolutely necessary.

The norovirus illness does not last long and people usually recover between 12 and 60 hours without treatment other than rest and lots of fluids.

Anyone suffering from diarrhoea and sickness is asked not to visit the hospital until they have been free from symptoms for 48 hours.