Five wards closed at Queen Margaret by norovirus bug
Gary Fitzpatrick • Published 21 Feb 2012 09:30
FIVE wards at Dunfermline's Queen Margaret Hospital are closed because an outbreak of norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug.
One ward at Victoria Hospital is also closed to new admissions as a precautionary measure following cases of sickness and diarrhoea.
Stringent infection control precautions are in place and the situation is being monitored daily.
The QMH wards affected are 1,2,3 (mental health) and 5 and 6 (continuing care). At the Victoria it is ward 44.
Across Scotland a major source of norovirus in hospitals are visitors who come in despite being unwell and then accidentally transmit infection.
Family and friends have been asked not to visit the affected wards at this time unless absolutely necessary.
Dr Keith Morris, NHS Fife consultant microbiologist, said, "We need the public's help to tighten up on visiting during the current outbreak.
"If we can reduce visiting to the absolute minimum at these hospitals while we tackle it that will reduce the risk to patients of further norovirus coming in from the community.
"As always, next-of-kin or a family representative are welcome to phone the ward direct for up-to-date information on a patient."
Members of the public are asked:
* not to visit friends and relatives if they feel unwell (especially if they have diarrhoea).
* To avoid bringing food (especially unwrapped food) into the wards.
* To make sure hands are clean, using the gel dispensers on wards or soap and water.
* Not to sit on beds if visiting and not to touch dressings, drips etc.
Norovirus is part of a group of viruses that are the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the UK.
There is usually a peak of norovirus infection in winter and outbreaks in institutions such as schools, nursing and residential homes and hospitals at this time of year are common.
Norovirus affects people of all ages. Most people recover very quickly but it is easily transmitted from one person to another. Typical symptoms are vomiting and diarrhoea. The symptoms usually last from 12 to 60 hours.
Good hygiene is essential in preventing oneself or others from picking up the infection, with hand washing especially important.
This article appeared in Dunfermline Press 21 Feb 12
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