Vomiting bug shuts hospital wards

Advertisement

Wards close at Whipps Cross

An outbreak of winter vomiting virus has forced the closure of three wards at a hospital in east London.

The norovirus outbreak started when large numbers of people with the virus began arriving at Whipps Cross University Hospital A&E department.

Hospital officials have urged people with the stomach bug to stay at home to avoid spreading it further.

The contagious bug usually passes within 48 hours and in most cases can be treated at home.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said: "We are urging the public to stay at home if they are suffering from symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting, rather than attending the hospital's A&E department.

"First ports of call should be NHS Direct, by telephone or online, and GP practices, including out-of-hours services."

The affected wards are likely to remain closed for two or three days and will then be thoroughly cleaned before reopening.