The Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Jenny Child, is urging people not to come to Harrogate District Hospital if they have vomiting or diarrhoea.
Like other hospitals in the region, there are a number of bays closed to new admissions at Harrogate District Hospital because of winter-vomiting disease, most commonly caused by norovirus.
Norovirus can be an extremely unpleasant illness, and is very contagious.
The advice to members of the public is that if they are affected – i.e. have vomiting, diarrhoea or have suddenly started feeling very nauseated – please don’t visit hospital or relatives in a care home until they have been better for at least 48 hours.
For those people with an upcoming outpatient appointment, the advice is to telephone their relevant department for advice.
Dr Child said: “Outbreaks in busy places such as hospitals, care homes and schools are common because the virus spreads very easily between people. We expect outbreaks at this time of year and they can spread very easily in the community.
“The best way of protecting yourself is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you have been to the toilet, and before you eat or drink anything. Don’t prepare or handle food intended for other people if you are affected.”
For further information and advice please visit: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Norovirus/Pages/Introduction.aspx
ENDS