Norovirus outbreak at Withybush hospital (From Western Telegraph)

Norovirus outbreak at Withybush hospital

5:27pm Monday 13th February 2012 in County News

Two wards have been closed at Withybush hospital due to an outbreak of the Norovirus.

Wards 11 and 12 have temporarily closed to new admissions to protect patients and reduce the spread of infection.

Infection control measures are in place and it is hoped the wards will re-open as soon as possible.

Visiting to the wards will be greatly restricted to help prevent the spread of infection. Members of the public are asked to contact the wards directly for up to date information.

The Health Board is asking members of the public suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting to not visit any hospital or care facility, and to consider if it is absolutely necessary to use services due to the pressure currently being put on beds.

Most people make a full recovery within a couple of days however these symptoms can be more serious for sick and vulnerable patients, so people are asked to wait at least 48 hours after becoming symptom-free before visiting any hospital or care facility or returning to work or school. There is no specific treatment and apart from the risk of dehydration, the illness is not generally dangerous and there are usually no long-lasting effects.