VISITORS have been banned from a ward at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital because of an outbreak of a virulent tummy bug.

Ward 3, which takes medical respiratory cases, will remain shut until further notice.

Wards J and K at Christchurch Hospital, which is run by the same NHS trust, have also been hit by the virus.

They were due to reopen after being cleaned thoroughly yesterday (Tuesday, November 6).

Norovirus has become a recurrent problem over recent years. More widespread in winter, it now hits a million people a year throughout the United Kingdom.

It spreads easily through airborne droplets in places where people are brought into close contact with one another, especially hospitals, hotels, care homes, holiday camps, cruise liners and schools.

Recently, the Daily Echo reported how one local family was affected during a holiday at Butlins in Bognor Regis.

The disease starts with a sudden attack of diarrhoea and vomiting.

Symptoms are unpleasant, and generally last from 12 to 60 hours.

Sufferers are advised to stay at home and rest until 48 hours after symptoms have abated.

Health experts say the best defence is good hygiene, especially after using the toilet or touching surfaces that may be contaminated.

Hospital visitors are asked to use the hand gel provided at entrances, and to stay away if they have had any recent tummy problems.

A source at the Royal Bournemouth said: "It's the usual winter norovirus. It's out there in the community and it comes in here."