FOUR wards have been closed at Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary due to an outbreak of norovirus.
The wards are currently refusing new patients as a precautionary measure and strict infection control measures have been put in place.
Members of People are being urged not to visit family and friends in hospital if they have suffered vomiting or diarrhoea recently in a bid to prevent more patients catching the virus.
Dr Huma Changez, consultant microbiologist and infection control doctor with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC), added: “It’s important that any visitors who have experienced any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting do not visit hospitals.
“I would also urge hospital visitors to remember the importance of hand hygiene when entering and leaving hospital premises.
“The virus typically has a sudden onset and can spread quickly.
“Most people will recover from the virus within 24 or 48 hours.
“However, when people are very ill for other reasons, it can be more difficult for them to cope with diarrhoea and vomiting.”
People are being urged to help limit the spread of the virus by following a few simple steps including:
washing hands frequently; not sharing towels; disinfecting surfaces with a bleach-based cleaner; and cleaning bedding or clothing which could have become contaminated with the virus.
NHSGGC said the virus has been prevalent across Scotland over the last few weeks, adding that its management of the ward closures is “fully in line” with national infection control protocols.
None of patients suffering from norovirus within the Royal Infirmary are giving any cause for concern.
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