VISITORS are being asked to stay away from the James Paget University Hospital after it confirmed cases of Norovirus on two wards. People with symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting are being urged to stay clear of the hospital in order to protect patients from the widespread seasonal stomach bug.

VISITORS are being asked to stay away from the James Paget University Hospital if they have had symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting after the hospital confirmed cases of Norovirus on two wards.

People with symptoms are being urged to stay clear of the hospital in order to protect patients from the widespread seasonal stomach bug.

Wendy Slaney, medical director at the James Paget, said the affected wards had been closed to new admissions and strict restrictions were in place for visitors to these wards.

She said: “This is a routine precautionary measure to enable us to protect our patients by restricting the chances of people spreading this infection.

“We ask patients and all our visitors to be extra vigilant. Please do not visit the hospital if you have recently had symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting or have been in close contact with someone who has over the past two days.

“We are also asking all visitors to wash their hands with soap and hot water when visiting a ward affected with Norovirus. Alcohol gel is effective against bacteria but not all viruses so hand washing as well as using the gel is really important.”

Norovirus, more commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, is highly infectious and can spread quickly through any close contact.