Hospitals still limiting visiting after surge in norovirus cases

Visiting restrictions remain in place in many hospitals around the State following a surge in cases of the winter vomiting bug.

The public has been urged to stop the spread of the bug after almost 200 cases were recorded in one week. The Health Service Executive advised people against visiting hospitals and urged strict hand hygiene.

About 190 cases of norovirus were notified to the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre the week before last and 115 recorded last week, while hundreds more recover at home without visiting a GP.

Dr Paul McKeown, a specialist in public health medicine, said there were several reports of outbreaks affecting hospitals, nursing homes and hotels. “There is no specific treatment for norovirus apart from sipping plenty of clear fluids such as water or flat lemonade.”