Health authorities in the east have urged members of the public with symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea not to visit hospitals so as to prevent the spread of the winter vomiting virus.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) Eastern Region's Department of Public Health made the same appeal to those who may have been in contact with a relative or others who may have had symptoms of the bug.
The appeal is being made particularly on behalf of the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital in Tallaght, and on behalf of other hospitals in the eastern region.
People who believe they have the virus are being asked to stay at home, drink plenty of fluids and limit contact with others. There is no specific treatment for the illness and as it is caused by a virus. Antibiotics have no effect.
The symptoms of the virus are vomiting, which can come on quite suddenly, diarrhoea in some people and a general feeling of being unwell. It is usually a mild illness that may last for about two days.
A statement from the HSE Eastern Region said: "People with the virus should not visit hospitals or attend them unnecessarily, should not go to work or school, and should only return to work or school 48 hours following the ending of the symptoms."
The HSE Eastern Region is asking visitors to hospitals to respect restricted visiting arrangements which have been put in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
The HSE Eastern Region issued the following precautions to limit spreading the illness:
- Carefully wash and dry your hands
- Clean bathrooms, especially toilets, sinks and any area where vomiting and diarrhoea occurs.
- Any household diluted bleach is suitable for cleaning these surfaces
- Use a personal towel, do not share towels.
- Soiled clothes should be washed in the hot cycle of the washing machine.