THE Alexandra Hospital has been hit by an outbreak of norovirus.
The highly contagious bug, whose symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting has led to the closure of Wards 2 and 18 and the partial closure of the coronary care unit (CCU) although Ward 18 is expected to re-open later today (Wednesday, February 22).
Norovirus is an incurable condition which normally clears up after a day or two.
However visitors have been refused entry to both Ward 2, which has 16 patients, and Ward 18, which has 17.
Family and friends have been allowed in to visit patients in CCU.
Hospitals can be prime locations for outbreaks of norovirus thanks to the close proximity of patients and staff passing between them.
The symptoms of norovirus start around 12 to 72 hours after picking up the infection and can last up to 60 hours.
Anyone suffering from norovirus can help to stop the spread of the bug through good hand hygiene using soap and water rather than alcohol hand gels, which do not kill the virus.
No other hospital in Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is currently affected by it.
For more information on staying well this winter visit www.nhs.uk/staywell.
