Hospital ward off limits as vomiting bug breaks out

Visiting restrictions remain in place at Tullamore hospital following an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug in one of its wards. The HSE is asking people to refrain from visiting medical two ward in the hospital. According to a HSE statement a small number of cases of norovirus - the winter vomiting bug - have been confirmed at the hospital ward. The virus is particularly unsafe to both the very young and the very old, but hospital management say it's imperative that only essential visiting takes place to the ward in question during this period in order to assist staff in curtailing the spread of the virus. Children are not allowed visit the hospital at all, while infection control procedures are in place and will remain in place until further notice. The HSE has asked anyone experiencing nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea within the last 48 hours to refrain from visiting the hospital, as a visit would risk spreading the virus to vulnerable patients. Members of the public who are experiencing these symptoms are advised to first phone a local GP before presenting at the practice.