Winter vomiting bug sufferers are urged not to go to St Helier Hospital.

Sutton and Merton PCT specialist infection control nurse Carolyn Moore said the stomach bug rarely needs hospital treatment.

It can also put vulnerable patients at risk if it enters the hospital environment and starts spreading, she said.

She said: “People visiting patients should also stay away for at least 48 hours after they have had any symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea.

“It may be a difficult decision not to visit a friend or relative when they are in hospital, especially when you are actually feeling better, but it is much better to stay at home than to risk infecting patients and staff.”

Norovirus, which usually causes symptoms for 12 – 60 hours and is rarely serious, spreads very easily from person to person.

Symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting can start suddenly. Other symptoms may include stomach pains or cramps, headaches, fever and tiredness. The only treatment is to rest, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

The PCT urged vulnerable patients, such as old, or very young, those who have a medical condition or those whose symptoms persist longer than 48 hours, to call their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.