AN OUTBREAK of the norovirus vomiting bug has resulted in the closure of a ward and the partial closure of others at York Hospital.

Hospital bosses are asking people to stay away from the site if they are experiencing symptoms of the highly infectious disease, such as diarrhoea and vomiting.

Ward 11 at the hospital was shut this afternoon and a number of other wards were also affected, a hospital spokeswoman said.

She added: “We have clear practice standards for all staff to follow in these circumstances, and this includes being strict about visiting when necessary to protect both patients and visitors.

“We may take harsh action and suspend all visiting to individual affected areas. If you are a visitor we ask that you follow guidance, which includes always washing your hands before and after visiting and use the hand sanitizer gel.”

She said visitors could phone before visiting to check if a particular ward was closed and advised people who had been unwell not to visit until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.

The Health Protection Agency says the virus is highly infectious and spreads easily from one person to another, particularly in communities such as schools, nursing homes and hospitals.