Diarrhoea and vomiting update – December 19, 2012
SIX wards remain closed to new patients across Cwm Taf Health
Board following cases of gastrointestinal illness affecting patients
and staff.
Four wards are shut at Prince Charles Hospital, in Merthyr Tydfil and
there are restrictions on a further two wards. Norovirus has been
confirmed on four of the affected wards.
In the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, in Llantrisant, two wards have
been closed to new admissions as a result of cases of diarrhoea and
vomiting.
People with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting are being urged
not to come to hospital – as patients, to visit relatives or to work –
until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.
Nicola John, Cwm Taf Health Board’s director of public health, said:
“Although unpleasant, diarrhoea and vomiting is rarely serious and
most people make a full recovery within one or two days. However,
the virus can be more serious for sick and vulnerable patients.
“If you are experiencing these symptoms it is important to wash
and dry your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before
you handle food to prevent it being passed on to others. There is no
specific treatment and the general advice is to drink lots of water
and take lots of rest.”
People with symptoms are being advised to stay at home. If they
need to seek medical treatment they should contact NHS Direct
Wales on 0845 46 47 or call their GP surgery.
Hospital treatment is only required in exceptional circumstances as
the illness tends to run its course and resolve itself without the need
for medical attention.
Notes to Editors
Norovirus causes vomiting, stomach cramps, fever and diarrhoea,
and is easily spread from person to person. Symptoms usually begin
between 12 to 48 hours after a person becomes infected, with most
healthy people making a recovery within one to three days.
For media inquiries, please contact Madeleine Brindley, head of
communications at Cwm Taf Health Board, on 01443 744 812 or
email Madeleine.brindley@wales.nhs.uk