Several south-east hospitals were hit by the virus last winter

An outbreak of the Norovirus was confirmed by officials at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

Efforts were being made to contain the virus, which can cause diarrhoea and vomiting for those infected.

But Debbie Weston, the hospital's infection control adviser, said it was a "self-limiting illness" which normally cleared up after a few days.

"These viruses circulate through the community, throughout the entire year," she said.

"But like coughs, colds and flu, it's during the winter months that they become more problematic.