Visitors urged to be 'vigilant' after suspected norovirus outbreak at Furness General Hospital (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Visitors urged to be 'vigilant' after suspected norovirus outbreak at Furness General Hospital

3:30pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Anna Clarke, Reporter

HOSPITAL bosses are urging the public to be ‘vigilant’ following a suspected outbreak of the Norovirus at Furness General Hospital.

Ward four at the hospital has been affected, with around 12 patients showing symptoms of the bug.

All visitors to the hospital are asked to stay away if they have experienced diarrhoea or vomiting, until they have been symptom-free for 72 hours.

Anyone who needs emergency treatment can still attend.

George Nasmyth, Medical Director at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We continue to ask that people stay away if they have been sick or had diarrhoea in the last 72 hours or been in close contact with someone who has, unless they require emergency treatment.

“For everyone that does enter the hospital, we would still like them to ensure they wash their hands with soap and water before entering.

“Alcohol gel is not effective against norovirus.”

The norovirus illness affects up to a million people in the UK each year and does not last long. People usually recover between 12 and 60 hours later with rest and lots of fluids.

It is found in the community and is easily transmitted, affecting schools, workplaces and other areas where groups of people are in close proximity, such as hospitals.

The elderly and young can be more vulnerable to the infection and anyone with concerns should call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.