Norovirus, the winter vomiting bug, is circulating in the community and one case was confirmed this week at Southport and Formby District General Hospital.
A number of beds on wards 7A and 10A have been temporarily closed to new admissions as a precaution.
Andrew Chalmers, Deputy Director of Infection Prevention and Control, said:
“Instances of diarrhoea and vomiting are always investigated when they occur in hospital. As a precaution, we may close bays within wards while we investigate the cause, which is usually due to a patient’s medical condition rather than infection.
“Coming to the hospital as a visitor when you are poorly with sickness and diarrhoea risks spreading germs to patients and staff. Please stay away unless it is absolutely necessary. If a visit is essential, please telephone the ward manager first.”
Symptoms of norovirus include a sudden onset of vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Some people may have a temperature, headache and stomach cramps.
The illness usually resolves in one or two days and there are no long-term effects. If you are affected, stay at home, drink plenty of fluids, wash your hands after using the toilet and prior to eating, and clean or disinfect contaminated surfaces.
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