Norovirus hits more hospital wards in north Wales

More hospitals across north Wales have closed wards to new patients due to an outbreak of norovirus, the winter bug.

Three have been affected at Wrexham Maelor and two at Llandudno Hospital.

The outbreak has also hit single wards at Mold and Deeside Hospitals. Officials say two patients have the sickness bug at Bangor's Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital.

Meanwhile, three affected wards at Glan Clwyd, Denbighshire, and Colwyn Bay Community Hospital have reopened.

The highly contagious virus causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The symptoms begin about 12 to 48 hours after infection and usually last for between 12 and 60 hours.

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said admissions to affected wards is limited until 48 hours have elapsed since the last patient exhibited symptoms to avoid putting further patients at risk of exposure to the bug.

The health board urges anyone with symptoms to stay away from hospitals for at least 48 hours.