THE HSE HAS issued a warning to visitors at Mayo General Hospital to stay away following an outbreak of the norovirus, most commonly called the winter vomiting bug.

The visiting restrictions have been put in place because of the presence of the virus in the community over the past number of weeks.

The HSE says anyone with recent symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting or who had contact with others who have these symptoms should not visit patients in the hospital to avoid spreading the virus.

Visitors to ‘A Ward’ will be restricted because of a presence of the virus and visiting to non-affected areas will be strictly limited to visiting times, between 2pm and 4pm and 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

Arrangements will be made for family members of critically ill patients by the nurse on duty at the hospital.

To help to stop the spread of norovirus at home:
Wash your hands regularly with hot water after using the toilet and when touching food.
If someone vomits at home, use hot water and detergent to clean up any soiling and wash your hands thoroughly after.
If you are sick you should remain off work until you have been well for 48 hours.
There is no specific treatment for norovirus apart from sipping plenty of clear fluids such as water or flat lemonade.

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