Norovirus hits hospital wards in Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan

Hospital wards in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan have been closed to new patients due to an outbreak of norovirus, the winter vomiting bug.

University Health Board director of nursing Ruth Walker said the board was "taking appropriate measures" to limit the affects of viral gastroenteritis.

The board would not confirm details of wards as the situation was changing all the time.

Hospitals in north Wales have been affected by a similar outbreak.

Visits restricted

Ms Walker said: "As is common for health boards across Wales at this time of year we are seeing instances of viral gastroenteritis, and are taking appropriate measures to limit its effects.

"This has included closing some wards to new admissions and restricting visiting times in some areas.

"We do have very good infection control procedures in place and these are helping to manage the situation.

"However we would ask the public to play their part and heed the advice from Public Health Wales on good hand hygiene and that anyone with symptoms should stay at home while they are unwell and for 48 hours afterwards to avoid spreading illness to other people."

A number of hospitals across north Wales have already restricted new admissions and visitors due to a similar outbreak.

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.