Suspected norovirus outbreak shuts wards at Lister Hospital

A suspected outbreak of norovirus has shut wards at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage.

Three wards have been closed to new admissions at the Hertfordshire hospital.

It is thought they had been affected by the virus which causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

People who have had the bug are being asked not to visit the hospital until at least three days after their last symptoms.

Angela Thompson of the hospital trust, said: "Infection outbreaks caused by this virus, which can happen at any time of the year, tend to be more common during winter months."

Patients, visitors and staff are being urged to wash their hands before and after every visit.

Children under the age of 12 should not visit if possible as they are more prone to catching the virus, a hospital spokesman said.