Virus causes five ward closures

Health bosses in Leicester have closed five wards at hospitals in the city after they were hit by the winter vomiting virus.

A statement from the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust said there was an increase in the number of patients with symptoms of the bug.

"To help us contain the virus we are no longer admitting new patients to the five wards affected," it said.

As well, the number of visitors at each hospital bed has been limited to two.

The trust urged anyone suffering from sickness and diarrhoea or showing flu-like symptoms to avoid visiting friends or family staying in hospital.

"Alcohol hand gel is not effective against winter vomiting virus and we would ask you to remember to wash you hands on entering the hospital and when you leave," the spokesman said.

The virus causes fever, sickness and diarrhoea and lasts for about 24 to 48 hours. It is usually mild, but for people who are already unwell it can slow their recovery.

The trust runs the Leicester Royal Infirmary, Glenfield Hospital and Leicester General Hospital.

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A number of wards have been shut to new admissions at hospitals in Leicester due to the winter vomiting bug.