Norovirus outbreak shuts Ninewells Hospital ward

By FRANK URQUHART
Published on 11/03/2013 18:01

A WARD at Tayside’s main acute hospital has been closed to new admissions because of a suspected outbreak of the winter vomiting bug.

A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said today: “Ward 5 at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee has been closed to new admissions following several cases of vomiting and diarrhoea which is thought to be caused by norovirus, more commonly known as the winter vomiting bug.

“The ward has been closed to new patients as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus and all appropriate infection control measures have been put in place.”

She added: “ Winter vomiting is extremely common at this time of year in the wider community. To help us minimise the spread of these bugs, we ask people who may be feeling unwell or experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea not to visit their friends and family members who are in hospital. We would urge them to stay away until at least 48 hours after they are free of all symptoms.”