AN OUTBREAK of a highly-infectious winter vomiting bug at a Hampshire hospital has forced the closure of two wards to visitors.

Cases of norovirus have resulted in temporary closure of the two wards at Southampton General Hospital, while seven wards have bays closed.

Daily Echo:

Anyone who attends the hospital for treatment but is suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting, or has been in contact with someone with symptoms, is asked to tell staff immediately on arrival so they can be treated separately.

A University Hospital Southampton spokesman said: “Despite the restrictions, essential visiting is permitted on agreement with our nursing teams.

“Anyone planning to visit is asked to call the relevant ward or department before attending.”

Any visitor who has suffered from diarrhoea or vomiting should not visit until at least 72 hours after their last episode of sickness.

Dr Zaid Hirmiz, clinical lead for unscheduled care at NHS Southampton City Clinical Commissioning Group, warned of the effects that the virus can have on vulnerable people.

Dr Hirmiz said: “Norovirus is a highly contagious infection with symptoms lasting around 48 hours, but if caught by the elderly and children it can put them at risk of severe infection and dehydration.
“The main symptoms are diarrhoea and vomiting, which usually starts one to two days after being infected.

"Some people also experience fever, headache, stomach cramps or aching limbs.

“People can self-manage without going to the GP. You need to drink plenty of fluids to replace the lost body fluid and this can prevent or reduce the risk of dehydration.”

Residents suffering from illness are asked to attend A&E only for major accidents or illness, and patients with less severe difficulties can call the NHS' 111 number for advice.