Hospital ward closed after outbreak of vomiting bug

Anyone experiencing the symptoms, which include severe vomiting and diarrhoea, a temperature, headaches and stomach cramps, is also asked to stay away from the hospital and other public places until they have been well for at last 72 hours.

The senior matron for infection prevention and control at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Diane Simpson, said: “We’ve had an outbreak on Basil ward and closed it to reduce the risk of cross-infection to other wards and departments.

“We’re taking all of the usual precautions in terms of cleaning and good hand hygiene to complement that and will continue to do everything we can to prevent it spreading, but we need help from the general public.”

She added: “It is an incredibly infectious virus and spreads primarily through touch, so if you do suffer symptoms then please stay at home.

“Ensure you wash your hands before and after going to the toilet, keep surfaces clean and do not go back to work or visit areas with lots of people until you’ve been symptom free for 72 hours. That applies to children at school as well.”

Around 600,000 to a million people suffer from Norovirus in the UK every year and it is the most common cause of stomach upset in the country.

The virus is highly infectious, can survive on surfaces for several days and can spread by coming into contact with an infected person, touching surfaces or objects that have not been cleaned, or eating contaminated food.

Ms Simpson added: “It’s unusual but not uncommon to see outbreaks this late in the season and the Public Health Agency has issued a nationwide call for vigilance.

“If you do experience the symptoms then make sure you get lots of rest and drink plenty of water.”