FOUR wards have been closed at Southampton General Hospital, pictured, following an outbreak of a highly infectious bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
Three medical and elderly care wards and one trauma and orthopaedics ward were temporarily closed to new admissions.
Hospital bosses have not confirmed the cause of the sickness but it is believed to be the Norovirus.
A total of 23 patients and five members of staff across the four wards have symptoms.
The situation is being monitored closely by the trust's infection control team, which is working with ward staff to contain the sickness.
Today Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, that runs the hospital, was appealing for people not to visit the site if they have suffered from diarrhoea or vomiting in the previous 72 hours.
Older people and young children are discouraged from visiting until the virus has been eradicated.
Doctors have also reminded visitors about the importance of washing their hands or using the alcohol hand gel provided whenever they arrive or leave wards and departments at the hospital.
The Norovirus is not life threatening and can be transferred from person to person leading to outbreaks most commonly in hospitals and schools.
During the past month there has been a number of outbreaks of the Norovirus across the region, including most recently at Winchester's Royal Hampshire County Hospital.
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