Coventy UK: THE winter vomiting norovirus bug has hit the region’s hospitals – causing more wards to close to visitors over New Year.
Bosses at University Hospital, Coventry, decided yesterday to shut ward 2B to visitors because of a suspected outbreak of the bug.
Relatives and friends of patients have been contacted by staff and asked not to visit except on compassionate grounds.
The decision will be reviewed daily and visiting to all other wards remains the same – until Sunday, 2-4pm and 6.30-8pm, and from Monday, 6.30-8pm Monday to Friday and 2-4pm and 6.30-8pm Saturday and Sunday.
In George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton, three wards have had to close following cases of norovirus, which can cause diarrhoea and vomiting.
Adam Bede, Bob Jakin and Dolly Winthrop are all closed to visitors, except on compassionate grounds.
Visiting across the hospital has also been limited to evenings between 7-8pm in a bid to stop further outbreaks while visitors have also been asked not to bring children with them. Three wards have also been closed in Warwick Hospital because of the winter vomiting bug. The Guy, Malins and Nicholas wards have all been shut to visitors while children are also banned from visiting other wards.
Potential visitors to all hospitals have been asked to keep away if they have been ill with diarrhoea or vomiting, or have been in contact with someone suffering from the symptoms.
They are asked to stay away until they have gone at least three days with no further symptoms.
Anyone visiting the hospitals should ensure they wash their hands with soap and water or use hygienic gel available on all wards.
Anyone who thinks they may be suffering from norovirus are advised to contact their GP.
The symptoms begin between 12-48 hours after becoming infected and usually last for up to 60 hours.
It can start with a sudden onset of nausea often followed by vomiting and diarrhoea. Some sufferers also have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs but most make a full recovery in about two days.