WARDS at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and the Alexandra Hospital are closed to visitors following an outbreak of norovirus.

Yesterday ward six at the Alex was closed, and yesterday ward five was also closed,a long with the Chestnut and Silver units at the Royal.

Anyone who has experienced sickness or diarrheoa, or both, in the past 48 hours is asked not to travel to hospital.

Those visiting the hospitals are asked to wash their hands regularly and use the alcohol hand gel provided to halt the spread of any infection.

Other steps to prevent infection include drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and washing hands thoroughly after using the toilet.

Anyone showing signs of the infection is also advised not to prepare food for others until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours, not to share towels and flannels and to disinfect all surfaces after using them.

Anyone planning to visit a patient at either hospital is advised to phone the ward before travelling.

For health advice call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.