WARDS at Worcestershire Royal Hospital are closed to visitors following an outbreak of norovirus.

Avon Four, the Acute Medical Unite, Severn Vascular Ward and Severn High Dependency Unit are closed as a result of an outbreak of the virus, also known as winter vomiting bug.

Exceptions will be made in compassionate cases but hospital bosses are asking visits are restricted to immediate family members only and a maximum of two per patient.

Children aged under 16 are also being asked to stay away to prevent the bug spreading from schools, nurseries and playgroups.

All visitors are being asked to wash their hands regularly and use the alcohol hand gel provided.

Enhanced cleaning is being carried out in the four wards in an effort to contain the virus.

Anyone unsure if they should visit is being advised to contact the ward directly.

Associate chief nurse for infection control with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust David Shakespeare said: “We would ask anyone with any symptoms of norovirus infection such as diarrhoea and/or vomiting to stay at home and not come to the hospital until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours.”

There is no specific treatment for norovirus apart from letting it run its course.

Measures which can be taken to prevent infection include drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, washing hands thoroughly after using the toilet and disinfecting all surfaces.

Anyone with the bug is also advised not to prepare food for another person until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours and not to share towels and flannels.

Anyone concerned they may have contracted the infection is advised to asked to stay at home and telephone your GP or NHS 111.