Ward is closed by outbreak of bug

10:26am Thursday 20th November 2008

A hospital ward has been closed following an outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea among patients.

Cuckmere Ward at Eastbourne District General Hospital will not take any new patients until all symptoms of the bug have cleared.

About 13 patients have been affected so far and hospital managers are working to bring the outbreak under control.

It is not yet known whether the bug is the highly infectious norovirus.

Closing wards has a knock-on effect on other departments, such as accident and emergency, because patients who need to be admitted have to wait longer for a bed. Operations could also be cancelled because of a shortage of space.

A spokesman for the hospital said: “To stop the virus spreading, anyone experiencing any symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting are asked to refrain from visiting the hospital until they are free of symptoms for at least two days.

“Those who must visit should ensure they wash their hands before entering the hospital and use the alcohol gel dispensers situated at the ward entrance and bedside. It is also recommended hands are washed when leaving the ward.”

There is no specific treatment for norovirus apart from letting the illness run its course and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

People who are generally fit will make a full recovery without specific medical treatment but those already sick and in hospital are more vulnerable.