Outbreak of '˜winter vomiting bug' closes Doncaster hospital ward

A ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary has closed following an outbreak of the '˜winter vomiting bug' Norovirus.
Caol ScholeyCaol Scholey
Caol Scholey

Hospital staff are asking people who are suffering from nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting not to visit hospital until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours - in a bid to keep the nasty infection at bay.

A spokesperson for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals said: “At the moment we have one ward closed at DRI because of norovirus. We are doing well and containing the spread of the infection but need visitors and relatives to help us and not come into hospital until they have been clear of symptoms for at least 48 hours.”

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Norovirus is on the increase and can spread quickly in close-knit areas like hospitals, schools, nursing and residential homes.

Visitors who have the bug could unwittingly pass norovirus on to hospital patients and staff.

Carol Scholey, Lead Nurse of Infection, Prevention and Control at the Trust, said: “This infection can have extremely worrying consequences for patients already ill in hospital. It is very important not to visit until you have been symptom-free for at least a couple of days. An outbreak may mean we have to restrict admissions and visitors to wards to contain the virus.”

Although very unpleasant, norovirus usually clears up in one or two days and most people can care for themselves with paracetamol and plenty of fluids.

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Symptoms include the sudden onset of projectile vomiting, watery diarrhoea, and some people may also experience headaches, mild temperature and stomach cramps.

Norovirus is very contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected person, by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

Washing your hands regularly helps to prevent the virus spreading, especially before meals and after visiting the toilet.

By following the advice given, it is possible to help keep patients safe and norovirus out of hospitals.