HOSPITAL bosses have been forced to take emergency measures after an outbreak of the notorious MRSA superbug.

Managers at Southampton General Hospital have closed the intensive care cardiac ward in a bid to stop the disease spreading.

Four patients have been struck down by the disease while four more are undergoing tests to see if they have the bug.

Last month, health chiefs had to shut three wards when about 30 patients contracted the Norwalk infection, which causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea.

Bosses were today reviewing the situation. They said the unit was still open to emergencies.

More on this report in tonight's Daily Echo