Cork University Hospital has closed an orthopaedic ward and postponed inpatient procedures following a suspected outbreak of the winter vomiting virus.
The 24 bed trauma ward was closed after a number of patients showed symptoms of the highly contagious bug.
The Southern Health Board advises that visitors are restricted to next-of-kin adults only, two at a time. The board is appealing to anyone who has had diarrhoea and/or vomiting to wait for 72 hours before visiting any part of the hospital.
According to a statement,out-patient appointments are not affected and people should present for their appointments as scheduled.
The board warned however, that the closure of the 24 bed trauma ward has impacted on other services throughout the hospital and has put a strain on services such as A & E where there are long delays.
"It has resulted in the postponement of elective (planned) surgical procedures and a number of patients already in hospital also had their surgical procedure postponed. Patients are being catered for in other wards in the hospital," said a spokesman.
The winter vomiting virus known as the Small Rounded Structured Viruses (SRSV) is highly infectious and difficult to control . It usually causes short-lasting outbreaks of abdominal pain and
nausea followed by diarrhoea and/or vomiting.
People affected by the virus should drink plenty of fluids; maintain strict hygiene and because of the highly contagious nature of the virus, avoid visiting hospitals or nursing homes.