Sussex hospitals are on the alert after patients and members of staff at Southlands in Shoreham were struck down by a highly-infectious bug.

Sixteen patients and five hospital workers have been affected.

Tests were being carried out this morning to find the exact strain of the virus.

The bug is believed to be the Norwalk virus which has been sweeping along the South Coast and has affected more than 100 people at hospitals in Dorset and Hampshire.

It is not life-threatening but causes vomiting and diarrhoea and is highly contagious.

Other hospitals in Sussex are monitoring developments and have alerted their infection control teams.

In January this year more than 200 patients and staff were affected by a stomach bug which spread through Eastbourne District General Hospital.

It is believed the latest virus has been brought into Southlands hospital from the community.

Admissions and transfers have been cancelled on four wards at Southlands and infection control specialists have introduced a rigorous programme including thorough cleaning and protective clothing.

Staff have been made aware of the outbreak and all patients and relatives have been informed.

Southlands bosses said patients with appointments should still come to the hospital as normal, although visitors are being asked to take extra precautions.

They are hopeful they have managed to contain the bug and prevent any further cases.

The wards affected are orthopaedic wards.