Shropshire Star

Norovirus closes hospital wards

An outbreak of norovirus has caused a number of hospital wards in the region to close to new admissions.

Published

Three wards at Wrexham Maelor Hospital have been closed to new admissions, while another two have had restrictions placed on them after patients were admitted with the condition.

Chirk Hospital has also seen a number of cases, with one ward not accepting new patients.

Andrew Scotson, from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, confirmed their infection prevention team would be monitoring the situation on a daily basis.

He said: "Over the last week Wrexham Maelor Hospital has seen a number of patients admitted who have developed symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting. Some of these have been confirmed as cases of norovirus.

"To prevent the spread of the virus within the hospital, admissions into three wards are currently suspended and restrictions have been placed on two other wards.

"Chirk Hospital has also seen cases recently and one ward is currently not accepting new patients."

This is the second time this year that Wrexham Maelor has been affected by the virus, with wards at the hospital being closed in January.

Symptoms of the virus include diarrhoea, vomiting or an upset stomach.

The health board is advising those with symptoms to stay at home to control the current outbreak.

Mr Scotson added: "The best way for members of the public to protect themselves is to ensure they wash their hands after visiting the toilet, and before eating, and avoid contact with people suffering from diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

"Although norovirus is unpleasant, for most people who are generally healthy it is a short lived illness of two or three days and does not require specialist treatment or a hospital admission.

"People with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting should ensure that they do not become dehydrated by continuing to drink plenty of fluids, seek advice from the pharmacist or GP, and follow the advice from Public Health Wales."

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