Hospital bosses are confident they have managed to contain an outbreak of a highly infectious virus.

About 30 patients and ten staff at Southlands Hospital in Shoreham have been affected by the vomiting and diarrhoea bug.

The first case emerged last weekend and the highest number affected at one stage was 16.

About 12 patients are now infected.

Samples of the bug, believed to be the Norwalk virus, have been sent to a specialist laboratory.

The virus has struck at hospitals in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

Consultant microbiologist Jenny Child said: "So far things are looking good.

"There is not a lot of movement of staff and patients between wards at Southlands generally which makes it easier to stop the virus spreading."

Five wards out of 12 at Southlands have been closed to new admissions.

Infection control specialists have introduced a rigorous programme including thorough cleaning, restricting staff and patient movement between wards, community hospitals and nursing homes.

Information has also been given to patients and relatives.

Staff at Southlands have been told to continue as normal but if they have any signs of diarrhoea and vomiting they should stay at home for 48 hours.

There is no reason for anyone to cancel their appointment unless they are suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting.

Visiting is as normal.