Virus closes hospital wards

11:01am Thursday 17th July 2008

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THREE wards at Leighton Hospital have been closed to new admissions after an unusual outbreak of a diarrhoea and vomiting bug.

Residents are being urged to think twice about visiting family or friends in hospital to control the spread of the infection.

The bug, which has affected more people in the community than would normally be expected at this time of year, is thought to be the notorious Norovirus.

The bug can spread from person to person, particularly to those weakened by other illnesses or conditions, and 26 patients at Leighton have been confirmed as having viral gastroenteritis.

Wards One, Two and Six have been temporarily closed to new admissions.

Karen Egan, head of infection prevention and control, said: “We are not saying that relatives shouldn’t visit, but anyone who has felt unwell with diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting within the past 72 hours should postpone their visit as the people they are coming in to see may be more vulnerable to picking up the bug.”