AN outbreak of the winter vommiting bug has led to restrictions being imposed at Whipps Cross University Hospital.

A number of patients at the Leytonstone hospital currently have the Norovirus bug, but it remains unclear how many.

The hospital trust is restricting visiting hours on some wards and permitting only one visitor per patient at any one time.

Children are not allowed to visit wards without permission from the ward manager.

Primary care trust NHS Waltham Forest today urged anyone suffering from the bug to stay at home and avoid public places.

Norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is highly contagious and dangerous for vulnerable people.

Symptoms can last for between 12 and 60 hours.

Dr Albert Mifsud, Consultant Microbiologist and Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Whipps Cross Hospital, said: “Although Norovirus is unpleasant, most people will recover in a short time.

“If you have the symptoms, you should stay at home and drink plenty of fluids. Please also think carefully before going to Whipps Cross or any other hospital or residential care home.

“This simple precaution can help us to prevent the infection spreading to vulnerable people.”

Dr Kay Eilbert, Acting Joint Director of Public Health at NHS Waltham Forest, said: “Norovirus is highly infectious and thrives in schools and places of work.

“We are urging local people to help limit the spread by staying at home when ill and ensuring good personal hygiene.

“It is very important that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after going to the toilet.”

The hospital closed almost entirely when an outbreak of Norovirus hit last January.

Emergency cases and operations were diverted to other hospitals and 19 wards were closed in a bid to contain the bug.

Visitors are asked to contact the relevant ward before travelling to the hospital by calling 020 8539 5522.

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