Patients' relatives are being asked to stay away from the hospital

The outbreak at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital has resulted in five wards being closed to help control its spread, with two others affected.

The outbreak coincides with a high level of emergency admissions.

Patients should still attend the hospital for emergency treatment or if they have an appointment - unless they have been contacted to postpone it.

But if anyone is showing symptoms of the bug, has been ill recently, or has been in contact with someone who is or has been ill with the bug, they should warn the hospital before arriving.

Family and friends, particularly older people or children, should not visit the hospital unless their visit is essential, the hospital added.

All visitors should follow infection control measures, including the use of hand gels positioned around the hospital, said a spokesman.