A midlands hospital struggling to halt the spread of the winter vomiting bug has issued an appeal to the public ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
New cases of the bug are still occurring at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, Co Offaly, and yesterday six patients were affected.
The hospital management has renewed its call for public co-operation, particularly over the bank holiday weekend, to help control the spread of the virus by following visiting guidelines.
Children have also been banned from visiting the hospital.
"If you, or a member of your household, have experienced nausea, vomiting/and or diarrhoea within the last 72 hours please do not visit any hospital or long-stay unit, as you risk spreading the virus to sick vulnerable patients, some of who are on treatment for serious illnesses," the Health Service Executive said in a statement. "Adults should keep visiting to a minimum and co-operate fully with staff.
"The elderly and children are most at risk from this illness and if any member of the public is concerned, he or she should first consult with their own GP and not the A&E department.
"As with all viruses the most important preventative measure is careful hand-washing, especially after contact with a sick person."