SEVERAL wards at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital remain closed due to an outbreak of the diarrhoea and vomiting bug, norovirus.

Three wards were re-opened at the weekend but new cases have been found at the hospital and a total of eight wards are now closed.

A hospital spokesperson said: “Closure of wards to visitors and new patients is an important infection control measure the hospital uses because norovirus spreads very easily through contact with anyone who already has the bug.

“Each ward affected by norovirus has to go through a countdown process; when all patients on the ward are symptom free of norovirus for 72 hours housekeepers can begin the deep clean process.

“Only when these measures have been taken can the ward re-open to visitors and new patient admissions.

“Patients and visitors are reminded not to come into the hospital if they have had symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the previous 48 hours, or indeed have been in close contact with anyone with these symptoms.

“Visiting to closed wards will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances and it has been agreed in advance with the ward matron.

“Our advice is:

· Call the ward first to check whether you will be allowed to visit

· Avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital, particularly young children and babies

· Do not come into a hospital if you have had symptoms of diarrhoea and/vomiting in the last 48 hours or you have been in close contact with someone with these symptoms.”