MORE cases of a winter diarrhoea and vomiting bug are being seen in the community.

Those with norovirus symptoms are being reminded to stay at home and follow simple hygiene procedures to limit the spread of infection.

People who feel unwell are again being advised to telephone their GP or NHS Direct for health advice and not visit hospitals.

There are visiting restrictions at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch because of norovirus but not at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester.

Dr Jonathan Leach, practising GP and medical director at NHS Worcestershire, said: “There is no specific treatment for norovirus apart from letting the illness run its course, but there are some simple infection control procedures everyone can follow.”

Advice includes drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, washing hands thoroughly after using the toilet and avoiding food preparation until 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.

Health Protection Agency figures show that there were five outbreaks of novovirus in Worcestershire from December 19 to January 1.