William Harvey Hospital Shut to New Admissions

The William Harvey Hospital in Ashford has closed two wards to new admissions after an outbreak of winter vomiting disease. Patients have been struck down by the norovirus, which causes acute sickness and diarrhoea.

Doctors estimate that more than 100,000 people a week nationally are catching the bug, with reports of the illness at a five-year high. More than 70 wards have been closed in England and Wales because of the virus.

Norovirus spreads through contact with an infected person, through contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. It is not normally dangerous, but the very young and very old are most at risk of complications from dehydration.

Outbreaks are common in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and cruise ships. People struck down by virus have been urged not to go back to work until the symptoms have fully disappeared.