Elective orthopaedic surgery has been cancelled at a hospital in the midlands which has been hit by an outbreak of the winter vomiting virus.
The Health Service Executive says that efforts are continuing to contain the spread of the virus in the orthopaedic unit of the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
Three patients are known to have been infected with the virus, and anyone reporting symptoms has been advised to stay away. Children have been banned from visiting the hospital.
"If you, or a member of your household, have experienced nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea within the last 72 hours, please do not visit any hospital or long-stay unit, as you risk spreading the virus to sick and vulnerable patients, some of whom are on treatment for serious illnesses," the HSE said in a statement.
"No children are allowed on the wards. Adults should keep visiting to a minimum and co-operate fully with staff.
"The elderly and children are most at risk from this illness. If any member of the public is concerned, he or she should first consult their own GP and not the A&E department.
"As with all viruses, the most important preventive measure is careful hand-washing, especially after contact with a sick person."