Hospital warns visitors about rising norovirus cases

A hospital ward has been closed and people have been urged to avoid visiting if they have recently had a bug after a rise in norovirus cases.

Managers at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds have shut Ward F9 to new admissions and stepped up cleaning regimes across the site to prevent the spread of winter illnesses, including norovirus.

They said they had seen more cases of norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, at the hospital.

Visitors have been advised not to go to the hospital if they have vomited or had diarrhoea, a high temperature, or a persistent dry cough in the last 48 hours.

Patients have been asked to consider whether they could use NHS 111 or visit their GP or pharmacist.

However, the hospital added that anyone needing emergency treatment should continue to go there.

Staff at the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), which plans and purchases local healthcare services, have also issued advice about the virus as it can rapidly spread.

Lisa Nobes, the ICB's nursing director, said: "Every year there are cases in the community which transfer to the hospital.

"Because the virus has an incubation period of several days, people are often unaware that they are carrying it until after they have passed it on.

"Norovirus is spread by coming into contact with infected people or surfaces. If you have the symptoms of norovirus it is important you stay away from work or school and avoid socialising with others."

Nobes added the best way for people to avoid catching the virus was to wash their hands properly, especially after using the toilet or handling food.

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