Cases of vomiting and diarrhoea on two wards at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven has meant they are now closed to visitors.

Wards 4B and 3A are affected. The wards are closed to visitors to help staff contain and control the outbreak.

If visitors have any concerns they should call and ask to speak to the nurse in charge.

The visiting suspension will be reviewed regularly and the trust will update the public as soon as it is able to.

Dr Clive Graham, director of infection prevention and control said: “All visitors are being reminded not to visit our hospitals if they are unwell, have been unwell in the last 48 hours, or had contact with a person with flu like symptoms in recent days. This is because they could be carrying a virus that can be passed to our patients making them even more unwell.

“Anyone visiting their friends or relatives in any of our hospitals should always follow strict infection prevention guidance by ensuring that you wash your hands when you enter and exit the ward areas.”

Anyone who has had any symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea should make sure they are symptom free for 48 hours before visiting anyone in a hospital or care facility.