A WARD at the Countess of Chester Hospital has been closed to visitors following an outbreak of Norovirus.
On Monday, August 4, the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust shut Ward 51 to visitors to contain the outbreak which has left 14 out of 28 patients on the ward unwell.
Visitors who need to visit a critically ill patient should contact the ward manager via the hospital switchboard on 01244 365000 or speak to staff on main reception who will provide assistance.
Medical director and director of infection prevention and control, Dr Virginia Clough, said: “At this time, there are 14 patients in the hospital with confirmed Norovirus. Infection control procedures are in place and the position is stable. We are working to control the outbreak and return to normal as soon as possible.”
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that are the most common cause of gastroenteritis (stomach bugs) in England and Wales and is often referred to as ‘winter vomiting virus”.
The virus is easily transmitted from one person to another. It can be transmitted by contact with an infected person; by consuming contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
There is no one specific group who are at risk of contracting norovirus – it affects people of all ages. The very young and elderly should take extra care if infected, as dehydration is more common in these age groups.
