Wards close over vomiting virus

The Norovirus bug remains contagious 72 hours after symptoms subside

Four medical wards have been closed to newly-admitted patients at West Suffolk Hospital following an outbreak of a winter vomiting bug.

Staff at the hospital in Bury St Edmunds hope to reopen one of the wards on Tuesday after cleaning staff have disinfected the area.

Visitors suffering from possible Norovirus symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea have been asked to keep away.

Young and older patients suffering symptoms should seek medical advice.

Anyone suffering from Norovirus should stay at home and drink plenty of fluids.

'Soap and water'

Dr Caroline Barker, the hospital's infection control doctor, said although it was more common in the winter months, outbreaks sometimes happened in spring.

She added: "We would like to repeat our message to 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.

"Norovirus is highly contagious and we see cases unwittingly transferred into the hospital from out in the community every year.

"We would ask anyone visiting the hospital to help us prevent the virus from spreading by cleaning their hands thoroughly with soap and water."