Management at University Hospital Galway last night (Wednesday ) advised that visiting restrictions are in place at the hospital due to the presence of cases of the winter vomiting bug (Norovirus ).
The hospital is seeking the cooperation of the general public in preventing the spread of infection, by adhering to the following guidelines:
• Visitors are asked not to visit the hospital unless it is absolutely essential and, where it is essential, visitor numbers should be kept to a minimum and be confined to visiting times only - visitors are asked to co-operate with staff in all matters in this regard.
• Visitors who themselves may be unwell or have vomiting or diarrhoea should not visit the hospital. Very young children or those with some other serious illness should avoid visiting the hospital, as they may be particularly susceptible to the virus.
• Visitors are asked to wash their hands thoroughly before entering or leaving the inpatient area, or after a visit to the toilet.
All appropriate infection control measures are being taken to deal with this situation. The visiting restrictions will remain in place until the situation has been resolved.
University Hospital Galway wishes to thank the public for their cooperation.
The winter vomiting bug is a mild, unpleasant illness, lasts two to three days and is easily spread. The best treatment is to drink plenty of fluids, take paracetamol for the cramps and get lots of bed rest. Doctors say there is no need to take antibiotics because these will not be effective. The bug is community based and is brought into hospitals from outside.
In any year at least one per cent (and in some years up to five per cent ) of the population can expect to be affected by this virus. This equates to an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 cases of the illness per week during a peak period.
Norovirus is highly infectious, capable of spreading from person-to-person, by food and water and through the air. Exact figures of the numbers of cases currently in the country are not known as many people suffering from it will recover at home without seeking medical attention while others may seek medical treatment from their GP.
Cases have been recorded in a number of hospitals around the country in recent weeks. Hospitals have infection control measures in place to limit the spread of the virus which can include visitor restrictions.
