Local health care trust admits the worse outbreak of Norovirus it has ever experienced.  Since July 2007 the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals Trust has only had a few weeks clear of the virus.  Norovirus is a well known bug that causes a very quick problem of diahorrea and vomiting.

As of December 2007 the trust had 326 cases which meant 27 wards shutdown for around a week whilst they are sterilised thoroughly plus 29 bays within wards being closed on average for 3 days.

In one case recently an elderly man died and one of the listed causes on the death certificate was assocaited with the bug, Norovirus.

Infection control expert Dr. Bill Gransden said that the outbreaks of Norovirus were being experienced all over the country, up to 100, 000 cases a week.  Figures show that this is the highest number of cases countrywide since 2002.  Reported cases are double this year compared to this time last year.  Dr. Gransby stated that the outbreak appears to have started earlier this year than normal and gon eon for longer than expected.  He added that it may be possible that this is a new strain of the virus.

Unfortunately it takes hold more often where people are in close contact in confined areas, sadly that means hospitals  but also nursing homes and cruise ships.  All these have been affected this year even the continent too.

In the case of hospital wards this highly contagious bug is transmitted by contact of surfaces or air droplets and by the time one patient is diagnosed it will inevitably have affected most of the other patients before infection control can be instigated.

The Hospital Trust has had to stop admissions to infected wards and restrict visitors coming from outside because the bug is also in the community.

Norovirus is described as a "miserable and unpleasant" bug but it usually is self limiting and rarely causes serious or long term health problems.  However, people in poor health or weak condition may suffer badly from this virus.

As of date the current outbreak has claimed 600 patients at Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals Trust.  Nationally, recent estimates say that  the virus has affected 200, 000 people although many have probably not been reported to GP's.

If you have been affected with sickness and diahorrea please stay away from hospitals and workplace, etc for at least 48 hours after symptoms or effects have gone.  Good hygiene practices are helpful too - washing hands thoroughly with soap and water.  Disinfect surfaces that have a lot of hand contact.

Last update : 25-03-2008 14:56

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