NHS campaign to stop norovirus spreading in Cornwall

A campaign has begun to stop the spread of norovirus in Cornwall.

Leaflets and posters encouraging basic hygiene have been given to pharmacies, surgeries and hospitals, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly said.

Norovirus causes sickness and diarrhoea with some people needing medical treatment.

In January, the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, in Truro, had to close four wards because of the winter vomiting bug.

Lisa Johnson, director of infection prevention and control for the NHS, said: "Norovirus tends to be most prevalent in the winter months and last year was circulating alongside the flu virus, putting additional strain on healthcare services.

"We hope that by encouraging some simple hygiene measures that we can reduce the risk of it finding its way into hospital settings.

"We are asking people who have the bug or have been in contact with someone with the bug to prevent it spreading using good hygiene and responsible visiting and help avoid outbreaks."

In February 2010, restrictions were placed on the Royal Cornwall, West Cornwall and St Michael's hospitals for several weeks due to the virus.