THE two wards at Leominster Community Hospital have been closed to visitors due to cases of diarrhoea and vomiting likely to be due to Norovirus.

Wye Valley Health Trust (WVT) has just confirmed that, as a preventative measure, all visits to the wards have been stopped to prevent the further spread of the suspected virus.

Other areas of the hospital are open as normal.

Anyone who has experienced symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the previous 48 hour is urged to avoid visiting any of the hospitals in the county.

WVT has issued guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet, and before preparing food. If you’re in an NHS facility pay attention to hand hygiene notices such as using hand gel upon entering and leaving a ward.

• Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with a norovirus. It is best to use a bleach-based household cleaner. Always follow the instructions on the cleaning product.

• Flush away any infected faeces or vomit in the toilet. You should also keep the surrounding toilet area clean and hygienic.

• Wash any clothing, or linens, which could have become contaminated with a norovirus. Washing with hot, soapy water will help to ensure that the virus is killed.

• Although people usually recover without treatment in 24-72 hours, it is important to stay away from work, school, college or any social gatherings until you have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours.