Norovirus improvement in south Wales, but wards still shut in north

Health officials say there has been a big improvement following an outbreak of the winter sickness bug in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

But five hospitals in north Wales are still affected by norovirus, with a number of wards remaining either fully or partly closed to new admissions.

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.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board says it has been "taking appropriate measures" to limit the spread of the illness, including closing some wards to new admissions and restricting visiting times in some areas.

It has not revealed the extent of the outbreak, saying the situation can change daily.

In north Wales, six wards are partly closed at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire.

Three wards are affected at Bangor's Ysbyty Gwynedd and two at Wrexham Maelor, including the medical assessment ward, along with single wards at Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley in Holyhead and Llandudno Hospital.

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

People with symptoms have been asked to stay away from hospitals for at least 48 hours.