Beaumont Hospital has confirmed today that an outbreak of the winter vomiting virus has worsened resulting in ambulances being diverted away from its A&E unit.
Non-infected patients may also be transferred to the Mater Hospital. The hospital has 18 confirmed and 24 suspected cases and non-emergency admissions have been cancelled. It has repeated its warning for the public to stay away unless absolutely necessary.
The virus has spread to 15 of the hospital's 19 wards, forcing it to postpone elective operations and quarantine 76 beds.
A hospital spokesman said that eight members of staff, mostly nursing staff, have already become infected and it is feared more will contract the virus over the coming days.
The symptoms include vomiting and dehydration.
The virus has also been confirmed in a hotel in Killarney, Co Kerry. Six cases were confirmed on Wednesday.