Vomiting bug clue revealed

A VIRUS expert for NHS Lothian has made significant inroads in working out why outbreaks of a vomiting bug take place.

Virologist Kate Templeton, who is based at the city's Royal Infirmary, presented her findings to health delegates from across Europe.

She said before norovirus outbreaks in Edinburgh, a mutation of the virus often preceded its spread.

"Although norovirus is not as dangerous to health as C.diff and MRSA, it has a huge impact on clinical delivery as wards have to be closed when there is an outbreak," she said.

"We have found that changes in the virus often come immediately before an outbreak, so we can use this to step up our infection control measures.

"It is important we understand more about its transmission and prevention."