Twenty-three hospital patients have been struck down by a debilitating virus.

Five wards have been closed at Worthing Hospital and Southlands Hospital in Shoreham after patients came down with a diarrhoea and vomiting bug.

The bug has been affecting people in the local community as well and is extremely infectious.

Managers at Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust are asking those feeling unwell who may have caught the virus to avoid visiting either hospital until they have been symptomfree for at least two days.

Consultant microbiologist Jenny Child said: "Unfortunately, this type of viral diarrhoea and vomiting is highly infectious, so in a hospital setting it can cause considerable disruption.

"It is essential both new patients and visitors who suspect they may have the virus or who have been ill in the last 48 hours do not come to the hospitals."

Staff at both hospitals have taken urgent action to stem the outbreak.

The infection control team is monitoring the situation closely and instructing staff of action they need to take.

Staff, visitors and patients are being asked to be extra vigilant about using hand gel as they come in and out of each ward.

Symptoms of the bug include nausea and vomiting and people may have a low temperature and headaches.

Generally people recover completely and in most cases there are no serious side effects.

There is no specific treatment for the illness other than ensuring the patient has enough liquid.

Closing the wards has come at a tough time for both hospitals as they cope with an influx of patients after the Christmas break. Staff are working at full stretch and managers are hoping to contain the outbreak and reopen the wards as soon as possible to meet the demand.

Infectious viruses are particularly common at this time of year, with Eastbourne District General Hospital and Crawley Hospital experiencing similar outbreaks this month.