AN OUTBREAK OF a “flu-like illness” has led to the imposition of visitor restrictions at Kerry General Hospital.

The illness is not believed to be swine flu, but the HSE says it is acting in order to limit the spread of flu viruses.

A visitor ban has been introduced at Tralee Community Nursing Unit (CNU) due to a number of similar cases.

The HSE says the restrictions have been introduced “in the interest of patient care” and “in order to curb the spread of the illness at KGH and at the CNU”.

At Kerry General Hospital, visitors are asked to strictly adhere to the visiting times which are 2pm – 4pm and 6.30pm – 8.30pm.

Two named visitors only are allowed per patient per day with strictly no children allowed to visit.

Anyone with any queries visiting a particular ward should ring KGH in advance on 066 7184000.

At Tralee Community Nursing Unit, the public are asked not to attend the unit for any reason. Anyone with any queries should ring 066 7199260

TJ O Connor, General Manager, KGH said:

“In the interest of our patients we would appeal to people not to visit KGH or the Community Nursing Unit if they have been affected by either the vomiting and/or diarrhoea or influenza type symptoms, or if they have been in contact with anyone with these symptoms until they have been symptom free for 72 hours.”

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