THE number of norovirus cases on a ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital has reduced significantly - but the ward remains closed.
The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust closed Ward 51 on Monday, August 4 after 16 cases out of 28 patients were reported.
But yesterday, the Countess said there were no new cases reported overnight among patients or staff and the number of affected cases has reduced significantly with only five patients now currently symptomatic.
Ward 51 is the only ward affected at this time. All other wards are working as normal.
A trust spokesman said: “Patient safety is the trust’s primary concern, so visiting infectious patients is strictly controlled.
“Norovirus symptoms in children can be mild but they should be discouraged from coming to visit in an affected area, as they may be particularly susceptible to the virus. Friends and relatives that are unwell or suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting must not visit.
“Visitors with queries about whether to visit a patient on Ward 51 at this time, should contact the ward manager via the hospital switchboard on 01244 365000 or speak to staff on main reception who will provide assistance.”
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.
