Vomiting bug hits Beaumount

A fresh outbreak of the winter vomiting bug has resulted in the closure of 28 beds at Beaumount Hospital in Dublin.

There have been 10 new cases of patients with the symptoms of the virus over the past 24 hours, and 26 patients are currently symptomatic, hospital authorities said in a statement today.

As part of a serious of measures to contain the outbreak, Beaumout has restricted visiting hours, and no more than one visitor is allowed per patient. No children are being allowed to visit the hospital either.

The hospital has also advised visitors to keep strictly within the permitted visiting times of 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm.

Beaumont said the restrictions were in the interests not just of patients and staff, but also of visitors themselves and of their families.

The hospital also advised people with symptoms of the virus, which include abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea, not to visit its emergency department. The bug, which can last up to 48 hours, does not usually require medical treatment.

A Dublin hotel was forced to cancel a number of Christmas events and suspend its food and beverage service after a suspected outbreak of the bug in its catering services earlier this month.