Two die at outbreak hospital

Two more patients suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting have died amid a suspected norovirus outbreak at a hospital.

Six people have died at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, Renfrewshire, since last week.

The two latest patients were being treated for diarrhoea and vomiting but the health board said both of them had serious underlying medical conditions and that neither of them died from norovirus infection.

One ward has now reopened at the hospital but seven remain closed, with 22 patients showing symptoms of the virus.

Microbiologist Dr Teresa Inkster said: “People can help limit the spread of the virus by ensuring good hand hygiene.

She added: “Norovirus is particularly prevalent in both the community and in healthcare settings. Typically, it has a sudden onset and can spread quickly. Most people will recover from the virus within 24 or 48 hours. Unfortunately, when people are very ill for other reasons it can be more difficult for them to cope with diarrhoea and vomiting.”

Chief Medical Officer Sir Harry Burns said: “The number of cases of norovirus, the number of outbreaks, has fallen over the past few years. So things are stable and probably going in the right direction.”