A HAMPSHIRE hospital has today (Dec16) confirmed an outbreak of the Norovirus.

Three wards at Winchester’s Royal Hampshire County Hospital are currently shut to new admissions with 18 patients and 1 member of staff hit by diarrhoea and vomiting.

The outbreak was confirmed after tests were conducted on several patients struck down by a ‘winter sickness’.

A hospital spokeswoman said the situation was improving after the illness peaked earlier this week with 21 patients and six staff affected by diarrhoea and vomiting.

A spokeswoman said: "The Trust's Infection Control team advise that only essential visits should be made to the hospital wards. The public are therefore asked to stay away from the hospital if at all possible, especially if they have had diarrhoea or vomiting in the previous 48 hours, and to continue to be extra careful about washing their hands with hot water and soap.

“Anyone suffering the symptoms of the bug should stay at home and drink plenty of fluids. If you are concerned you should contact your GP, the Out of Hours service or NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Existing hospital appointments should be attended normally unless you are advised otherwise."

The wards affected are the Clarke, Freshfield and Taunton. RDU and Victoria ward have re-opened after closing last week.

The highly infectious illness is generally mild and people usually recover fully within two to three days. There are no long term effects that result from being infected.

The disease was historically known as 'winter vomiting disease' due to its seasonality and typical symptoms.

The Health Protection Agency said sufferers should avoid going out until the symptoms have passed.