AN outbreak of a sickness and diarrhoea bug at a Winchester hospital is getting worse.

The number of victims at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital (RHCH) last night reached 60 patients.

The number of wards affected increased from five to eight, and these are temporarily closed to new admissions and visitors.

There is no sign of patients in maternity, paediatrics or the Winchester Treatment Centre showing the same symptoms.

The trust is still waiting to confirm if this is Norovirus, but were expecting it to be confirmed yesterday, said a spokesman.

The Norovirus is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It usually passes in 48 hours.

The RHCH is encouraging all patients to attend as normal any booked procedures, pre-assessment clinics, surgery or outpatient appointments.

Only a small number of patients who are booked for surgery on a main ward (and not the Treatment Centre) are requested to call 01962 825736 before attending.

Visitors to patients on main inpatient wards are asked to stay away for the rest of this week. It has been reported that some visitors have already developed sickness and diarrhoea.

Advice to people with sickness and diarrhoea remains the same - manage your symptoms at home, ensuring that you are hydrated and extremely thorough with hygiene.

Anyone who becomes acutely unwell should initially call NHS Direct or their GP for advice.