Date of release: 20 November 2017
Visiting times have been restricted to a ward at New Cross Hospital following an outbreak of norovirus.
The virus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting, has been confirmed on ward C25 and visiting times are being restricted to an hour.
People planning on visiting the hospital are being asked to stay away if they have experienced any of the symptoms of norovirus in the last 48 hours.
Sometimes known as the winter vomiting bug, it is the most common stomach bug in the UK.
It is highly contagious and can affect people of all ages. The number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting recorded normally increases at this time of year.
Vanessa Whately, head of infection prevention at The Royal Wolverhampton Trust, said: "We have had an outbreak of norovirus on ward C25.
“Visiting times to this ward will be restricted to an hour and the ward is closed to all new admissions.
“Please call the ward before visiting and do not visit hospitals or care homes if you, or the people you live with, have had diarrhoea, vomiting or flu-like symptoms in the last 48 hours.
"If you are unsure whether to visit, please feel free to contact the ward nurse before you come into hospital."
She added that good hand hygiene can help limit the spread of the infection.
She added: “Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet, and before preparing food or eating.”
The norovirus symptoms include;
• suddenly start to feel sick
• experience projectile vomiting
• have watery diarrhoea
• experience a slightly high fever, headache, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs
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